McDowell Technical Community College (MTCC) has opened a Workforce Education Center in Old Fort, the college’s first presence in the town and a transformative development for the local economy. The center will help to strengthen the local workforce, attract new businesses, support regional economic development, and address critical skill gaps in industries such as advanced manufacturing, construction, skilled trades, and trail development.

“The center will serve as a hub for workforce training and education in McDowell County,” said Stacy Buff, Vice President of Workforce Development at MTCC. “The impact will be assessed through various metrics, including increased employment opportunities, business growth, educational attainment, and workforce credentials."

Old Fort’s history as a mill town plays a crucial role in understanding the current economic climate and the center’s potential. "In the '50s, there were nine factories operating at one time that employed [about] a thousand people,” said Jeremy Poore, Coordinator of Trail Construction and Sustainability at MTCC. “And then, as manufacturing shifted overseas, one by one, these factories shut down." The town’s once-thriving manufacturing base has shrunk dramatically, leaving only one active factory and another barely operating on a skeleton crew. "So, in thinking about how to reimagine Old Fort, folks honed in on the fact that it’s surrounded on three sides by national forest,” said Poore.

These national forests not only provide abundant natural resources that create opportunities in industries like manufacturing and construction, but the forests themselves present an industry opportunity in trail construction. 

“The U.S. Forest Service announced a substantial investment in trail construction and reconstruction in the Pisgah National Forest that is next door to the town of Old Fort,” said Buff. “With that in mind, Old Fort seemed like a natural location to offer many classes from our new trail school.” 

MTCC's workforce education program in trail construction and sustainability was developed in response to the growing demand for outdoor recreation infrastructure and sustainable land management practices in Western North Carolina. “This curriculum was designed with input from industry experts, conservation organizations, and local business leaders to ensure it addresses real-world needs,” said Buff. The program focuses on skills such as trail design, sustainable construction techniques, erosion control, and habitat preservation, preparing students for careers in sectors with increasing job opportunities, including trail construction, environmental restoration, park services, and eco-tourism.  

“The training program will directly funnel into the local economy by preparing students for careers in the outdoor recreation and conservation industries, which are expanding rapidly in the region,” said Buff. “Given Old Fort’s proximity to Pisgah National Forest and a growing outdoor recreation economy, the program will help meet workforce demand while promoting sustainable development and attracting new businesses. Additionally, it supports local entrepreneurs in launching outdoor-related ventures, further diversifying and strengthening the regional economy.” 

The center’s completion is timely, as Poore explains that there is a modernization happening in the trail building industry—namely, efforts to create standardized trail building curriculum, processes, and certifications. The Workforce Education Center in Old Fort will be at the forefront of designing these standards. Already, students travel from all over the country to learn about trail building through the MTCC’s unique program.

"About 80 percent of our students are professionals already working in trail-related fields, seeking further education to enhance their skills," Poore said. The other 20 percent of students include volunteers and individuals looking to learn new skills related to trail maintenance, such as chainsaw safety or trail crew leadership.

These out-of-town students have their own economic impact on Old Fort and the surrounding areas. "Our students often stay in local accommodations, eat at local restaurants, and shop in the area," Poore said. "This contributes to the local economy in ways that go beyond traditional workforce development." 

One of the major goals of the center is to diversify the region’s economy. "The Old Fort Workforce Education Center will serve as a catalyst for economic diversification by equipping the workforce with skills for multiple industries,” said Buff. “This helps attract diverse businesses to the area [and] will ultimately lead to a more resilient, innovative, and sustainable economy in McDowell County and beyond.”