In an effort to meet the current economic demands and local industrial needs, Sampson Community College is offering an expansion of Occupational Training courses through the Continuing Education Division. Two courses being offered are Wastewater Treatment Biological Training and Industrial Hydraulics and Pneumatics Systems. According to Kate Brown, Director of Customized Training at SCC, these concepts are a valuable asset to growing local industry and the local economy. “It’s an exciting opportunity to administer training here at SCC that will upgrade the skill level of the local workforce that is applicable to meeting the current and future industry needs.”

Industrial Hydraulics and Pneumatics Systems Training are being taught to Butterball Industrial Maintenance Technicians learning the basics of how to use fluid power and the ability to make air and hydraulic cylinders and motors. According to instructor Reuben Cashwell, this course is essential for improving efficiency and skill level. “Butterball partnered with us on this initiative to improve productivity of their mechanics and it’s a win-win for the mechanics, because their certification and completion of training provides pay incentives for them.”

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Biological Training follows prescribed training to meet certification requirements of the North Carolina Water Pollution Control System Operators Certification Commission. City and government employees are currently enrolled in the 35-hour course, and according to instructor Glenn Holland, it’s a great way for the currently employed to enhance their skill level and the unemployed to get back in the workforce. “In the current economic climate, lots of folks are out of work. Through the occupational training, they are able to upgrade their skill level and in turn make themselves more marketable to a prospective employer.”

In addition, the Occupational Extension Training offered at SCC is helping meet the worker shortage in many areas. “There is a severe shortage of folks working in Wastewater Treatment,” says Holland. “SCC is the only place in the area that offers this training, so they’re helping to increase interest in this field while growing the local workforce and economy.”

Sampson Community College’s commitment to training and education is beneficial to business and industry through the Occupational Extension Training.

For more information about enhancing productivity and company growth, contact Kate Brown at 592-7176 or visit www.sampsoncc.edu.