HENDERSONVILLE – During October’s National Manufacturing Month, Blue Ridge Community College joins local partners in celebrating the advanced manufacturing sector which accounts for over 17% of North Carolina’s total output worth $102B and employing more than 10% of the state’s workforce. The month-long observance includes the October 6 Manufacturing Day followed by Manufacturing Week. At Blue Ridge, the activities underscore the value that community college graduates provide to area manufacturers, as well as the valuable partnerships with employers that allow students to gain experience, knowledge and rewarding careers. “Blue Ridge is proud to provide high-quality graduates with valuable pathways into our state’s advanced manufacturing workforce,” said Dr. Laura B. Leatherwood, Blue Ridge’s president. “Through pursuing skilled trades, computer integrated machining, engineering technology, welding, apprenticeships and many other critical areas of study, Blue Ridge students are learning skills that raise the quality of life for all North Carolinians while earning a respectable wage to do so.” Advanced Manufacturing “Pays the Bills” Far and Wide Henderson and Transylvania counties together house 177 advanced manufacturers that employ over 7,500 associates with an average annual salary of $57,000. Total annual manufacturing wages for these counties exceed $400M. Nationwide, the International Trade Organization reveals that in 2021, “the U.S. manufacturing sector contributed $2.56 trillion to the U.S. economy, accounting for approximately 11 percent of the nation’s total GDP.” In 2022, the sector employed nearly 13 million American workers. “I want to express the importance of each of Blue Ridge Community College’s advanced manufacturing partners,” Dr. Leatherwood added. “They greatly advise, encourage, and support the work we do in our state-of-the-art workforce development environments. On behalf of our College community, I say ‘thank you’ to our local manufacturers.” Blue Ridge is partnering with the Transylvania Economic Alliance and the Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development to introduce area high school students to the world of advanced manufacturing by touring area facilities. On campus, students and faculty in the area of advanced manufacturing will enjoy festivities throughout the week. Blue Ridge also maintains ongoing relationships with the Land of Sky P20 Council, Mountain Area Workforce Development Board, Henderson County Public Schools and Transylvania County Schools to promote the manufacturing field. Learn more about the Advanced Manufacturing programs of Blue Ridge Community College at BlueRidge.edu/Manufacturing. About Blue Ridge Community College:
Blue Ridge Community College is a two-year, post-secondary institution that offers more than 200 degrees, diplomas, and certificates; more than 200 online courses; and fast-tracked job training.
Source: Blue Ridge Community College
Featured Photo: Blue Ridge Community College welding instructor Ben Land (left) demonstrates use of a pipe cutting machine with students Cheyenne Clayton (center) and Kevin Terron (right) in the College's Industry Flex Lab. Photo by Rich Keen.
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