As part of Sampson Community College’s commitment to local business and industry, the Customized Training Program at SCC has once again partnered with Prestage Farms to design a training program in Combustible Dust.

The subject matter was taught by the North Carolina Community College System Eastern Regional Safety Trainer Ronald Skinner. Approximately 64 Prestage employees took part in the Combustible Dust training. Proprietor Mr. Bill Prestage was even the star pupil leading the class in proactive workplace safety; an advocate and supporter of SCC, Mr. Prestage strongly believes that educational training is a crucial part of “workplace safety”.

Kate Brown, director of the Customized Training Program, says the collaboration between SCC and Prestage is a strong partnership developed to enhance workforce skills, workplace safety for employees and to serving the community in its entirety. “The Combustible Dust training program provides Prestage employees with basic concepts and an overview of the hazards associated with combustible dust generation in work operations and site processes,” stated Brown. “While in training, the employees were introduced to applicable standards and control measures in addition to looking at the regulatory standards and examining the control methodology.”

Mark Pate, Prestage Farms Industrial Maintenance supervisor and Randall Miller, Feed Mill manager, were very instrumental in the development of this strategic training program, along with Brown and Skinner. Pate stated that he was very pleased to be part of the training at Prestage Farms because of their commitment to reinforce safety and regulatory standards.

Additionally, Brown notes that Prestage Farms is focused on doing the “right thing” to keep their employees and the community safe. The organization has taken a preventive step to ensure that its employees gain additional knowledge in areas such as the Industrial Maintenance and feed mill areas. “Technology is continually changing, and Prestage is committed to maintaining training to ensure their viability in today’s economy. Their commitment level to their employees and the community is truly outstanding,” adds Brown.

For more information about the Customized Training program at SCC, please contact Brown at 592-7176.