tag:www.wncbusiness.com,2005:/categories/education?page=2Education | WNC Business Page 2Connect | Inform | Inspire2023-11-22T13:32:21-05:00urn:uuid:cd7f18ee-bb24-4182-b830-7f52679abcef2023-11-21T17:30:03-05:002023-11-22T13:32:21-05:00BRCC celebrates national apprenticeship2023-11-21 17:30:03 -0500Randee Brown<table><tbody><tr><td class="wysiwyg-text-align-center"><table><tbody><tr><td class="wysiwyg-text-align-left"><p>HENDERSONVILLE – This November, Blue Ridge Community College is celebrating National Apprenticeship Month! The thriving Apprenticeship Blue Ridge program allows eligible high school graduates and adult learners to earn while they learn in the classroom and on the job. Application deadlines are available at <a href="http://www.BlueRidge.edu/Apprentice" target="_blank">BlueRidge.edu/Apprentice</a>, with seven programs accepting applications until January 31 or April 26.</p><p>Apprentices attend class one day per week and work the balance of the week with their apprenticeship employer. As apprentices continue through the program, their wages progressively increase. Those who complete an apprenticeship earn a college credential from Blue Ridge along with the nationally recognized Journeyworker Certificate.</p><p>“It’s such a great program,” electrical apprentice Erik Alba said. “I get to work and go to school at the same time, and I get paid for going to school. I’m able to pay my bills, work, and attend school one day a week.”<br></p><p>The Apprenticeship Blue Ridge program is currently accepting applications for the following apprenticeships:</p><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPvh4dCQVhIVzbVeU29CY1D6iW56cDwKN9jRMuVs5ofqqZoxonVb317fOA8cUciWFXr0j8WsdxYqPdTX4Und0YzXyshld5XHQMwWuS0sUSfqVeJptZH6pcb5Q156HJ5ygFNtGe_K1LIZo2GP9lnhiCRXxieG-xvnITgfdLDDBZpUB18z1Q8XlEGabaxEyGJtag&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Plumbing</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPodjJcgHs1_FKBOf3i05zrEtmUC5tujDAKKd9rdFTT45MGVxDHV02seqsOV7oAVjnXOz9Dtvd2MGg_1UC0Z4OQlBTUdYUiQzkDiTU4WqfnA0PXYTEwVf5n4BNZk_dYvsSKiOG04t9VjAgtHnPli0oJNYZzROe8__h_vYvvg1i6jZ2CuIHbPeIHeOoCB2igjMQ&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Electrical</a><br><i>Apply by Jan. 31, 2024<br><br></i><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWcllAzhgTIuWuRM3nAU-ovvvq9Y6GDdE8IFxq0I12x-kwuc5vjcnRU443zy-3ZoiqWqIzkhcuTK6HsujEE-6HyCw9iWYYvsp25w62eLqwoLIogwkP6hVFo3-rTydCEr6OoWoODUva3ySMvzpzIENovWpJFdLOhJN52tb4_zORl7sfwe7yJ6rDTSdEkVGTvz6kstrKkbRahTsp&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Automotive</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWcllAzhgTIuWuV22R0zYIRYRWirBnwUOq3ei7opfRismTH6kCkVgO4f5njmm40T8FK8A2oLcTC3fF4fLiEXiQnEyFbzrhIfDTGN-MFd4vqi4WskoKujX9e9RxO7VLm8DjG3zFSWUhDezthkt9G6nBeyCMdPNq9qxIhn_ac2yAxCqPSy3IeiDDCh5MGdiLD7-3T8f-0u-mkoEa&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Business & Banking</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPbdMBLf6_SBNOJFa5nVLKt7guB7BxksSoWdkRmNldGSfyuW_R2ujUVcMJYxtu2QMguma8ZEqlBEfoZPptJ9ITNSt1jWdW_5s--5662YkePQCn7R2IoR64BE4Z8i8DeInkeYrih96B4o6RwD5r3iWGIz3x5bdRVAOs_3JsBvqARflaF7W2gO48dIeb4li3HNm1&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Early Childhood Education</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWcllAzhgTIuWuCzySMJOhyjLcpteUnfXmxw26BkMD3VCfL1mq5LY1FlNpfDiI71BbRXQKEdHYJfB2B7PEX2JPt9z-2knjxoB5VaEc5JXYWY3P57piQr54kMw6SEXZ8fBlaGN4Xw2gSxbiCRUZt1GB6X9EyMNesxYlvQlgdwulTPaa-AzBRTRdaVL03j2LBa8E9cd9dfB4cV33&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Made in Henderson County (Manufacturing)</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPDOoH_7KEmG9qEAMZ4hddCYiHU63ANQ-WE0brYtYpRz8a_x7w-YVJ8PvdXt2bOu59JqI8xOezpDY37yZURTa9TYGzEVM9g467TZTo1wfmDwkkwKkqAN2ctqRhFjhildCEGWmnJI1wSZhz2eHNB-BpqmaupQlIAGbapuhdPCgwczQusdKHOpxATeaiikA-GM_h&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Work Local Transylvania (Manufacturing)</a><br><i>Apply by April 26, 2024</i><br><p>Apprenticeship Blue Ridge is made possible by area employers committed to expanding tomorrow's workforce. All Apprenticeship Blue Ridge employers are registered with the North Carolina Department of Labor and ApprenticeshipNC.</p><p>Application information for all Apprenticeship Blue Ridge programs is available at <a href="http://www.BlueRidge.edu/Apprentice" target="_blank">BlueRidge.edu/Apprentice</a>.</p><p>Blue Ridge Community College would like to thank the following Apprenticeship Blue Ridge employers:</p><p><b>Automotive Employers</b></p><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPK79mNt79zYZxhHSypIGA55OZDaL7sfEKkdqNi7kvROx-49dIn6zGSIiJ2D-eW68ET-RKgwZtUHyZ0wJv9Z6UgCreLmQy1tkEc-0Drqptn2k=&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Anderson Automotive Group</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPZdLoqDOMV_O7QDWjh18vNAiZrPz48R5DiqNNU2AGHj_OeZPRfdHjXkWC-aMk-W3-yjMJ0WEqEB2Z0bIWxlMl8g==&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Egolf Motors</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysP9HSC0rZN2IaavLdncJ78vIW1P7K8LFgeEHZm2SaY5ASzG84PYIDNlNz6lPtX0AY7rvtYK5c5ELco0HDxIGmZ17UzgrzB0zzD&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Harry’s on the Hill</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPXaj1aGgF3RNRWdF6iA7Ejp3XlSkg2z8EffD1btQgrdGY4GVqWLsg3eQ6urINAAn5VDa-pIfXcgA9mXNsOAQYHw==&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Fields Auto Group</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPdfz8C24Ai8RI9Ve6AoF0gEdQ0k6mFEp-_BfzDQTULJ7gICu_UBSKY5gG9H6iMJSOPOX6JEZz90bgn8XL88PI1eLd2Pvc6DkW&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Hunter Automotive Group</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysP7i8NE0Smgu3pYvM8geWH-LxOJfp6gbz4b2w8YpnfMPM-Ow5bWOPFH3umXKT4CDX1gsVf-gjS7BpE6jOzIcYyYPcv8bMkg7y_L5kmFTPgVGjMNeUmQQazylD91hd6oANKOd9JqUTf3W1hKiREHkCUyWPxn5zjfECw6jNkLsDVCnIjPIpATdHmSNK8sXrgk2le5z6gmVRCyPHv-ZmkrLrLQ02gJYMadplZBKf7a1ympSdy-r4PjLtLGg==&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Paramount Kia Asheville</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPvXupLVjxgQ4w25LGV_gdE4bmpSRArj6Q0Kj11by4ts-1sEuUEzmHXRlqPnhUTx-_MwYgb8hoQbW1CaYwFYTEmohNuerHvbBEoERVRN-2oKM=&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Parks Ford Hendersonville</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPtcoHNmPKE8Q3GbohHLXenlOEF2F55Ir298uCSA1N0G5nskBHuf_5GeALjgBtRWcDbygpZDg_L9EZJF4Pq2SZ79RbAot-xt6x&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Prestige Subaru</a><br><p><b>Business and Banking </b></p><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPK79mNt79zYZxhHSypIGA55OZDaL7sfEKkdqNi7kvROx-49dIn6zGSIiJ2D-eW68ET-RKgwZtUHyZ0wJv9Z6UgCreLmQy1tkEc-0Drqptn2k=&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Anderson Automotive Group</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysP4BeyHKBrP2JruvF4HrzZ5SY7j5SA8JQQd7qNTg_FyqyhRZpKk9VNviBhRZBqUTKwlqVET0BPT7SZdO2Nr4ZprQ==&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Champion Credit Union</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPou3onhxD2mSzu6BNnhjjfG-WLyet2xPDpregbKkqDmiGdMRkIWHL1CN1Kx7ZrNiG5kOtVi6r_Zm7DmpPBNrw6w==&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Elkamet</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPGjFV0p6XmX7GQs97MVhzbKLTMk30TIEODB6YHuWfom_O7H2LKHHkGNT2Mn4_tW-NGW8hyv2v5-eCb5nLPAXtlg==&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">First Bank</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWcmyrDx2m-fMDibOVeCjlOMMGCBkgvmyhPx01B1GZhhJM2he_u9PhewptURT4i21_5sHAJhIm-gWjWpJEmmTS16OpiOmsra0q3Q==&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">First Citizens Bank</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPuD52PEhAZEeP5BmlLzMAD9SpZviMedhtkTqQvEwix9rWoAF0oC54426jscXLMYBoPIL6tb4gcBUs-7axgdq1FQ==&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Hope Coalition</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPdfz8C24Ai8RI9Ve6AoF0gEdQ0k6mFEp-_BfzDQTULJ7gICu_UBSKY5gG9H6iMJSOPOX6JEZz90bgn8XL88PI1eLd2Pvc6DkW&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Hunter Automotive Group</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPIstIEWviISi7-bDdXyrgEE5_qf6TgRYSqCmLMkwPS7MdW6XrKt8f4DK0hX5HF_nbkhri9TLJg5ogV9pRTABDlA==&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Mountain Credit Union</a><br><p><b>Central Sterile Processing</b></p><p><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPBN01W6INvWE_h6DkvgYu0KdaFiE5ja0xKLzlS5YxqM2e30XlL4Li6z_YurmqYp0CkR7zuVTtDSvJhjS7_ekw2g==&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Advent Health</a></p><p><b>Community Health Worker</b></p><p><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPsss-NEt8n9PQvVcjc8yAGqMgGolJtWwTW2hpXEpP5F6VJxpBY5qpXy2YHX-YpqfE_6N9lyUrmRE=&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Blue Ridge Community Health</a> </p><p><b>Construction</b></p><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPP-XOaDJg8FdI186sI-bviefrTQjcCAiSKNvD6F19ZdfFplqqhc_wVUVdI5PjhVdHE4atm6Giy8f00IfWXqSFPQ==&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Benton Roofing</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysP3IObvsZKZCTnt9UiK5QC7EwjTRKtQaGZm1TZGFWlDPq5miiZOMVOGZ4K1jm05fJYhIUCR45a8mUfrd2bphWF1z5C0D08o-pI&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Buchanan Construction</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPyNodlvMLNpm4TiL3xSM32nYLpEdpoQPP7bRBqkjab-CbbxntEQD6oiqKnrvAJ6-6fRLAx1CyoTte3u5vPghmzA==&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Henderson County Habitat for Humanity</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWcvESs4HzdZ7IPC2qfi6ais4q5Z0APWl7-5YTc5q2Syc0GMWL5M6s9nb6E00qtJ94NbVHs91t7OeHqaVg489MWfULhA6rbS4aaPvmDzvliqGf&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Henderson County</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPpushmvfyA5xZzXb5qRN74uE7ZYPzyG8G1fyz4kfFlgkY3p99SvunSdZXYx2F-H90XtWwMSV-dOwbrYYnXIYlAw==&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">L&S Site Contractor</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysP7cUVp9aS_XTURVRvUe9xf67-89pWqu1phMN1MNYOi-9G3S9iDP51RMKRiwPuALx_LkyQ3j7zsfsl6FTPSu1X8uKHJDVVOzjMQhTYrc9qKxM=&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Living Stone Design and Build</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPmIed4D6DgQVutCYlHOLkI_I16Sm_xcKeo8W5iW9P56e4pa4cthA7VFaC-v05ZEJaFioiaje7sRzAVyOXHCKejYdAiwwdb6av&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Rice Custom Cabinetry</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPNjtgK48YlMA6HS6e4J0fzPav_byYOuvFLCGyXMPCMsf0T5eVMLnQk_FXss_C7hOZ6JDqvD_7bh2UmzMo1mCH8m25u-7J-HcN&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Saluda, North Carolina </a><br><p><b>Early Childhood Education</b><br></p><p><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysP5Q5flpNKtYyfx4MtmxUdckDaJ3DOLdjRZGVqHCyWDFshjrrmET_obyIpd0Wl27_WHF-_LRZzuVg=&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">WNC Source</a></p><p><b>Electrical</b></p><p><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPxpF6brFfUke_mjeKY2Ih9P3Cjbbz2uR0hl_3ur-YWjsfo7a0OadUVnS0297AleuqeMV5cfPiSbQiRsSH8IH0tA==&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Jackson Electrical Contractors</a></p><p><b>Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC)</b></p><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPw6Lj7u9StKuO4euGvBvTcAJDHHRkt73SaSEi0ttNLZRTU1PGS_ZNHDqvlYt67xDZ7qQE2xGRV3GAIUYooiSaplawKE1x05Ne&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Appalachian Comfort Systems and Controls</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPGMKVoG94s-i76CmdH-hBNjy2Z5zMjPue7qPa1G41IT7KsjtSQ8-YL6W8dYdlGh1a2gce1ghqHbeFecZjmK7FF3LujEsudkE9&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Blue Ridge Heating and Ai</a>r<br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWcvESs4HzdZ7IPC2qfi6ais4q5Z0APWl7-5YTc5q2Syc0GMWL5M6s9nb6E00qtJ94NbVHs91t7OeHqaVg489MWfULhA6rbS4aaPvmDzvliqGf&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Henderson County</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPBB-6TidmIFySejESNhpXgPVXp9PfqUyrmP-Y_u3P6a1tIZ8D2mY9ezcV7HsqL5Ji2uLyYH1RNq6SguaB2ZZHl6TbonUI7MJH&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Quality Air</a><p><b>Made in Henderson County (Manufacturing)</b></p><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPEWDKBcetxKUP4Dwszbohh5UclXFr6tlTAtkCr0aZDK0Yc9Fze4b67uu5nWeMw4FGRTzZjFjbg7eBwjfHKcyLbA==&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Cummins-Meritor</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPou3onhxD2mSzu6BNnhjjfG-WLyet2xPDpregbKkqDmiGdMRkIWHL1CN1Kx7ZrNiG5kOtVi6r_Zm7DmpPBNrw6w==&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Elkamet</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysP6lD2dihtrLsphsBgpV8cfro35WXaw5p-fvYB_sIT3Cx-J5wkG0sZXjEFT-XHb2F8QumTwO1QwG4=&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Jabil</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPjaIhcLZR2fDj5PDn2LkrU6qe2L241JUOdYd2L8yUspAWPKzRz2qjf8bvYv4MQCmMU9r5SZipjzKN9L_EpfFE9A==&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Linamar Light Metals</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPw_o8FQ12jdigm5TWplOT55cnyrzDg_-juN59hdN7wwoPP93aYLNQMQhza2Tz-UhnMW8IELpTjbKru2NGW43XmQ==&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Norafin</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPM5OYISlYYDj3pAPafoSM3gIQ7b6vKVdacumuEewposGAZ6soGqYfW_3bcK-z3HG2KiCmEmaxFyvly4ptgduRpA==&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">UPM</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPW4M3dYySle-eKBotgW4GcZgALba5B70zNrh9QxLRp1yil-xM6gjmCRPHGfg4MSnB2k5lzwlLBomvaCj5mOvg4g==&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">WestRock</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPcGcrsHEu_xM6paCkt7rSrCQomm3VkUZg0UFJG0VO4a3csEM-2pY-u9OrbsTgJMykMqW5uBoUcVCdqS_gMu5k_Q==&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Wilsonart</a><p><b>Plumbing</b></p><p><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPfy3t-11u_hPLraSixnlnD4XkwWNiUf-2fU7Mt4uJimzRkKNp-GYS3zMABCi52AqUye0jA2d9uZ7X_TMm3m5hdKICE71CkLbM&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">T.P. Howard’s Plumbing</a></p><p><b>Work Local Transylvania</b></p><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysP6r67DCCIafl_L57VBHrji9NH9EE6RJW5C-8koPFEBlF6qrLs7VRwM-EVZLO7o5cVfhq-rNN1YX4VtpZ6HnRmwg==&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Gaia Herbs</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPYgTjds_yl5YYlZO7lN2XsiRi7saTpVUtU6m5jBMb7WvurhYJ7HIFx0td-tpEBBTmJxkn-vjpLwG-sYZnygZGPw==&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">M-B Industries</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysP0l1lqW1Qw2VmmkmP1nClmV-2pZsvcs2Vl9Y1X8ejhllMwpan8bGrTzkBbkV1M2LmCeTSzn5iJenxOyd7eo3H9G26MsXcBViiyasoyArVbCHP_WWd5IHp7Fbf_SNuzlh9LKa78BjaUaXk-0rPULiYXQ==&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">New Excelsior</a><br><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CbfKlWSqPSfvbsW_Chxju8EiOESnZv9dda8zjjP_fbOVtFKlQeOWct5wzb1dFysPSBFmAk1dAcWqJxQul4VwgFBFceoBXqrPdFGM_X3G1uoY0tJmeI4cRc0C6g4oD-Z-W8nTmu9oxVM_B0pivBQYSw==&c=ln1zgd2YLqSsCAeKwortYL26TVV0ea2psATFNaCSEZThfaO4Utz9PQ==&ch=JcQMZzFn7Elyd5bgNhLt32RJcwsJ6d27RpCF-LG155rb9Oi7WAQqaQ==" target="_blank">Survival Innovations</a><br></td></tr></tbody></table><br></td></tr></tbody></table><br><table><tbody><tr><td class="wysiwyg-text-align-center"><table><tbody><tr><td class="wysiwyg-text-align-left"><b><i>About Blue Ridge Community College:</i></b><br><span><i>Blue Ridge Community College is a two-year, post-secondary institution that elevates the educational experience to prepare students for 21st-century success in the workplace or at four-year colleges and universities. Providing real-life, affordable, and accessible education, the College offers more than 200 degrees, diplomas, and certificates; more than 200 online courses; and fast-tracked job training.</i><br></span><i>Source: Blue Ridge Community College</i></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.wncbusiness.com">WNC Business</a></small></p>urn:uuid:0a8a75a3-6e0e-4b0f-b06e-ab45f2c807d52023-11-06T18:18:06-05:002023-11-06T18:18:14-05:00Financial aid available for spring enrollment at BRCC2023-11-06 18:18:05 -0500WNC Business<table><tbody><tr><td class="wysiwyg-text-align-center"><table><tbody><tr><td class="wysiwyg-text-align-left"><p>HENDERSONVILLE – Student enrollment is now open for Blue Ridge Community College’s spring semester through December 14. An additional in-person and online enrollment opportunity will take place on January 4 to fill open seats before classes begin on January 8. New students should visit <a href="http://www.BlueRidge.edu/Admissions" target="_blank">www.BlueRidge.edu/Admissions</a> to apply.</p><p>Serving Western North Carolina on campuses located in Henderson and Transylvania Counties, Blue Ridge Community College offers over 200 degrees, diplomas, and certificates in 30 areas of study. Many of the College’s classes have fully online options available, in addition to fast-tracked skill-building programs to advance new or existing careers.<br></p><p>This academic year, Blue Ridge offers several new programs based on regional and employer demand. These include artificial intelligence, practical nursing, civil engineering technology, environmental engineering technology, entrepreneurship, elementary education residency, medical office administration, and respiratory therapy. Credentials in these high-demand fields will position graduates to quickly make an impact in these fast-growing workforce sectors.</p><p>Understanding the challenges that student debt introduces, Blue Ridge Community College is committed to helping students reach their highest goals while saving money. To this end, the College’s Financial Aid office helps applicants to pursue valuable state and federal grants. Additionally, Blue Ridge’s Educational Foundation provides hundreds of scholarships worth approximately half a million dollars each year. These scholarships, made possible by donors and organizations, are based on a student’s goals, interests, and academics.</p><p>“We are willing to help every incoming student understand their options and guide them through the process to ensure they are getting the best deal possible for their college education,” explained Jonathan Grunder, Blue Ridge’s director of financial aid.</p><p>Blue Ridge students have a successful track record in securing financial aid when they apply. During the 2022-23 academic year, three out of four Blue Ridge students qualified for public grants or Foundation scholarships. Blue Ridge awarded more than $6.3M in financial aid last year, of which $3.9M came from state and federal grants, and $220k from established Educational Foundation scholarship funds. The remaining 34% of student expenses was covered by the College’s historic Brighter Futures scholarship program, made possible by one-time donations between 2021 and 2023.</p><p>While the Brighter Futures scholarship program concluded in Fall 2023, Blue Ridge’s primary financial aid sources remain available. For many incoming Blue Ridge students, state and federal grants are expected to fully fund the cost of tuition, fees, and books.</p><p>“It is the perfect time to pursue higher education, because the future of financial aid is looking very bright, particularly here at Blue Ridge,” added Grunder. “If you want to know if you qualify for one of our hundreds of available scholarships or grants, I invite you to reach out. You might be surprised how we can help you.”</p><p>Students seeking financial assistance should contact Blue Ridge Community Community College’s Financial Aid office by emailing <a href="mailto:financialaid@blueridge.edu" target="_blank">FinancialAid@bBueRidge.edu</a>, calling 828-694-1816 or texting 828-600-4955. Blue Ridge also offers flexible payment plans and some work study programs to offset tuition costs.</p><p>Community members who would like to invest in the future of Western North Carolina through student scholarships are invited to contact the College’s Educational Foundation at 828-694-1710 or <a href="mailto:foundation@blueridge.edu" target="_blank">Foundation@BluerRdge.edu</a>, or by visiting <a href="http://www.BlueRidge.edu/Foundation" target="_blank">BlueRidge.edu/Foundation</a>.</p></td></tr></tbody></table><br></td></tr></tbody></table><table><tbody><tr><td class="wysiwyg-text-align-center"><table><tbody><tr><td class="wysiwyg-text-align-left"><b>About Blue Ridge Community College: </b><br>Blue Ridge Community College is a two-year, post-secondary institution that offers the educational experience to prepare students for 21st-century success in the workplace or at four-year colleges and universities. The College offers more than 200 degrees, diplomas, and certificates; more than 200 online courses; and fast-tracked job training.<br></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.wncbusiness.com">WNC Business</a></small></p>urn:uuid:9b0069ec-9e1a-4672-8d76-a032bc4e25e62023-11-03T14:17:53-04:002023-11-03T14:17:59-04:00Mission Acceleration Business Accelerator launches 2024 registration2023-11-03 14:17:52 -0400WNC Business<table><tbody><tr><td class="wysiwyg-text-align-center"><table><tbody><tr><td class="wysiwyg-text-align-left"><p>HENDERSONVILLE – Registration is now open for the 2024 Mission Acceleration Business Accelerator program at Blue Ridge Community College.</p><p>For the sixth consecutive year, Blue Ridge and the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce have partnered to offer the Mission Acceleration Business Accelerator: a five-month, ten-session program for business owners to innovate and improve their businesses. </p><p>Led by the program’s Executive Director Gary Heisey, participants learn from local entrepreneurs and experts in business management, leadership, planning, branding, marketing, logistics, sales, accounting, purchasing, raising capital, information technology, human resources, time management, new business development, operations, and distribution.</p><p>Over the course of 10 sessions, these local leaders provide proven business strategies related to the service, tourism, manufacturing, retail, wholesale, real estate, construction, professional, and education sectors.</p><p>This year, 12 companies will be selected to participate in the program. To determine if the program may be right for a company, a Business Success Self-Test is available at <a href="http://www.BlueRidge.edu/Mission-Acceleration" target="_blank">BlueRidge.edu/Mission-Acceleration</a>.</p><p>Kelly Noble, co-owner of Noble Pest Solutions, saw direct results following her participation in the 2022 Mission Acceleration Business Accelerator Program.</p><p>“If you’re a business owner and are looking to take your business to the next level, then the Mission Acceleration class is perfect for you,” she said.</p><p>Registration is open through December 15, 2023, and ten companies will be selected. The registration fee is $295. Classes begin on January 17 and end May 22, 2024.</p><p>For more information – including meeting dates, topics, and an application – visit <a href="http://www.BlueRidge.edu/Mission-Acceleration" target="_blank">BlueRidge.edu/Mission-Acceleration</a>, or call 828-694-1735.</p></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><table><tbody><tr><td class="wysiwyg-text-align-center"><table><tbody><tr><td class="wysiwyg-text-align-left"><b><i>About Blue Ridge Community College: </i></b><br><span><i>Blue Ridge Community College is a two-year, post-secondary institution that elevates the educational experience to prepare students for 21st-century success in the workplace or at four-year colleges and universities. Providing real-life, affordable, and accessible education, the College offers more than 200 degrees, diplomas, and certificates; more than 200 online courses; and fast-tracked job training.</i><br></span><i>Source: Blue Ridge Community College</i></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.wncbusiness.com">WNC Business</a></small></p>urn:uuid:47df6141-1d52-4c89-8e91-8cf8d123b80a2023-11-02T08:36:00-04:002023-11-02T08:36:08-04:00Charles Koch Foundation provides $45,000 gift to WCU2023-11-02 08:36:00 -0400WNC Business<p>The <a href="https://affiliate.wcu.edu/csfe/">Center for the Study of Free Enterprise</a>, located in Western Carolina University’s College of Business, has received funding to support undergraduate research efforts, student travel for professional development and guest speakers.</p><p>The latest round of funding comes in the form of a recent gift of $45,000 from Charles Koch Foundation, which previously provided $1.8 million in pledges and gifts as seed funding in 2016 to help get the center up and running.</p><p>The new one-time contribution will support the center in its new emphasis on undergraduate research, said Sean Mulholland, WCU professor of economics, who has served as director of the Center for the Study of Free Enterprise since August 2022. Mulholland succeeded the center’s founding director, Edward Lopez, who holds WCU’s BB&T Distinguished Professorship in Capitalism.</p><p>The gift from the Koch Foundation will providing funding for three initiatives, including undergraduate research projects that will be presented at academic conferences such as the Association for Private Enterprise Education, and ultimately, published in academic journals. It also will support student travel to attend academic and career conferences and job recruiting fairs and will fund one guest speaker to be co-sponsored by other groups and institutes on campus.</p><p>“The funds will be used through the end of the 2023-2024 academic year,” Mulholland said. “We already have three students planning to present their work this spring and two students who will be applying to attend weeklong academic programs this summer at the Property and Environment Research Center at the Acton Institute.”</p><p>The Property and Environment Research Center, also known as PERC, explores how aligning incentives for environmental stewardship produces sustainable outcomes for land, water, and wildlife. The Acton Institute is a nonprofit research organization that promotes the benefits of free enterprise to religious communities, business, students, and educators.</p><p>“The College of Business is truly grateful to the Koch Foundation for its support of our students, especially the opportunities for student research and professional development,” said A.J. Grube, dean of the college. “The opportunities provided by the Foundation will make such a positive impact not only for students, but for the Western North Carolina region.”</p><p>The Center for the Study of Free Enterprise was founded in 2015 as a hub for interdisciplinary scholarly inquiry and community engagement in the areas of economic development, applied research and the role of free enterprise in a flourishing society.</p><i>Source: Western Carolina University</i><br><i>By Bill Studenc</i><br><div><br></div><div></div><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.wncbusiness.com">WNC Business</a></small></p>urn:uuid:28e48d62-a525-4ce9-abc3-ec5c5d18ff842023-10-31T15:46:57-04:002023-10-31T15:47:05-04:00Disability Services office at BRCC undergoes rebrand2023-10-31 15:46:56 -0400WNC Business<table><tbody><tr><td class="wysiwyg-text-align-center"><table><tbody><tr><td class="wysiwyg-text-align-left"><p>HENDERSONVILLE – This October, Blue Ridge Community College’s Disability Services office joined a growing number of institutions nationwide in adopting a more fitting name: <a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bxu4Opd7l2PxWakjFn5d8eXLuEWGoAqvA3sSkNf9kzqfJ5096GaRAdgI6kY7WHwwCizfTrZXGjAyMOmf6l8LfHDWcmY9n3jmFygeeN02h6QWmHygQ3MMmrdamUaFCseujlKD-XniWYKzZnScDEsUg400lf4U_Yag&c=-IAc4q4EdAlixHvs5FtUDq66yGTAIrKzqN6ToMEElLfAr25t1JKb9A==&ch=owQy8__wGcCWXmgmC_R0HFf7lN__yX5_Q0o2zMfZe_-zLOD6LAN4XQ==" target="_blank">Student Accessibility Services</a>. The change is intended to provide a more comprehensive experience for students – empowering them to explore their options for assistance and, ultimately, better serving them according to their diverse needs.</p><p>“Our team feels that the term ‘accessibility’ is much more inclusive and more accurately describes the services our office provides,” said Carolyn Levine, Blue Ridge’s Student Accessibility Services Coordinator. </p><p>At Blue Ridge, the Student Accessibility Services department provides academic accommodations, such as note-taking support and extended testing time; accessible course materials; assistive technology; individualized counseling and support; American Sign Language interpreters; coordination with faculty and staff and much more.</p><p>But not every student may be aware of the services available to them or whether they qualify, Levine explained.</p><p>“Not only is there a stigma associated with the word ‘disability,’ but there are also many misconceptions,” said Levine. “One misconception is that the term disability only applies to severe physical and cognitive conditions. This deters many students who may qualify for accommodations from contacting their disability services offices, because they don’t consider themselves as having a disability.”</p><p>Many medical conditions are invisible to others but still impact a student’s daily life, such as autism spectrum disorder, asthma, diabetes and more. The same is true of mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression. These students may be qualified to receive assistance that will greatly improve their academic outcomes, resulting in a more accessible higher education experience.</p><p>The Student Accessibility Services team stressed that a new name can have other institutional benefits, such as attracting a broader student body, improving communication practices, encouraging compliance with legal requirements and keeping up with technological and ideological progress.</p><p>“Our hope is that this change will help promote inclusivity and access for all Blue Ridge students,” added Levine.</p><p>Information about the newly renamed program, including steps for students to request accommodations or advising, is now available online at <a href="http://www.BlueRidge.edu/Access" target="_blank">BlueRidge.edu/Access</a>.</p><p>Spring semester enrollment is currently underway at Blue Ridge Community College. Visit <a href="http://www.BlueRidge.edu/Admissions" target="_blank">BlueRidge.edu/Admissions</a> for more information.</p></td></tr></tbody></table><br></td></tr></tbody></table><table><tbody></tbody></table><table><tbody><tr><td class="wysiwyg-text-align-center"><table><tbody><tr><td class="wysiwyg-text-align-left"><b><i>About Blue Ridge Community College: </i></b><br><span><i>Blue Ridge Community College is a two-year, post-secondary institution that elevates the educational experience to prepare students for 21st-century success in the workplace or at four-year colleges and universities. Providing real-life, affordable, and accessible education, the College offers more than 200 degrees, diplomas, and certificates; more than 200 online courses; and fast-tracked job training.</i><br></span><i>Source: Blue Ridge Community College</i></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.wncbusiness.com">WNC Business</a></small></p>urn:uuid:e2be2c9e-930d-4f1c-ba21-a004012931952023-10-30T14:21:54-04:002023-10-30T14:21:57-04:00Haywood Community College hosts Open House for Industry Careers2023-10-30 14:21:52 -0400WNC Business<span><p>HCC is offering the opportunity for potential students and our community to tour classrooms and meet with instructors that are part of the Industrial Systems Technology program, Computer-Integrated Machining program, and Construction Skills & Technology program on Wednesday, November 8 from 5:00-8:00pm at the High Tech Center located at 112 Industrial Park Drive in Waynesville.</p><p>The Industrial Systems Technology program starts in the spring term and with registration currently open for spring and summer 2024 courses, this event will provide the opportunity to not only learn about the program but to also register for upcoming classes. This program allows students to learn about servicing, maintaining, repairing, and testing numerous types of equipment using multi-craft technical skills in print reading, maintenance, electricity, welding, and much more. Educational attainments include a diploma, certificate, or associate degree option.</p><p>Computer-Integrated Machining Technology prepares students with the analytical, creative, and innovative skills necessary to take an idea from initial concept through design, development, and finished product. Students completing credentials in this field can pursue careers in high-tech manufacturing, specialty machining shops, fabrication industries, and more. Educational attainments include a diploma, certificate, or associate degree option.</p><p>HCC’s Construction Skills & Technology program features many program offerings for those looking to enter the construction field. HCC has classes that teach entry-level skills such as basic construction site safety, tool safety and usage, employability and communication skills, and everything needed to start your career in construction. Additionally, specialty course offerings are available in Plumbing, HVACR, and Construction Technology. Each class features in-class instruction with hands-on learning opportunities.</p><p>Dr. Shelley White, President of HCC states “Construction, machining and Industrial Systems skills are great examples of high-demand, high-wage careers right here in our region. HCC has updated these programs to meet the current needs of industry and shifted to offer these in the evening to be more accessible to adult learners who may already be working.”</p><p>Registration is now open for the spring and summer 2024 terms.</p></span><b><i>About Haywood Community College:</i></b><span><br><i>Haywood Community College is part of the North Carolina Community College System and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges. Founded in 1965, it is an open-door institution with the mission of serving the educational needs and economic growth of our community by promoting lifelong student learning and success.</i><br><i>Source: Haywood Community College</i></span><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.wncbusiness.com">WNC Business</a></small></p>urn:uuid:e0a7ce07-ca17-4b5b-af9c-1454fe3a272b2023-10-26T08:14:38-04:002023-10-26T08:14:42-04:00New Mars Hill University program will attract students to WNC2023-10-26 08:14:38 -0400WNC Business<p>MARS HILL — Graduates of South Piedmont Community College who want to take the next step by earning a bachelor's degree now have a direct pathway to do so at Mars Hill University. Mars Hill University President Tony Floyd and South Piedmont Community College President Maria Pharr signed paperwork creating the Mountain Lion Promise during an event on the South Piedmont campus in Monroe.</p><p>The Mountain Lion Promise: A Direct-Entry Admissions Program guarantees qualified South Piedmont graduates will be admitted to Mars Hill University. The program provides a streamlined process for South Piedmont's associate degree graduates to enroll at Mars Hill. It's designed to help students navigate the intricacies of admissions criteria, determine which community college credits will transfer to the four-year institution, fulfill general education requirements, and address other issues which can arise when transferring.</p><p>"The Mountain Lion Promise Program is an exciting step forward in welcoming students of Anson and Union counties to Mars Hill, with a clear pathway for graduates of South Piedmont Community College to earn their bachelor's degrees," said Mars Hill's President Floyd.</p><p>"We often say at South Piedmont that our students can start here and go anywhere - and this agreement has given our graduates a wonderful opportunity to make 'anywhere' Mars Hill University," said South Piedmont's President Pharr.</p><p>South Piedmont students will need to maintain a 2.0 grade point average, earn an associate degree in a college transfer program or in an applied program for which there is an articulation agreement with Mars Hill, and enroll at Mars Hill within one academic year after receiving their associate degree.</p><p>Also at the signing event, Presidents Floyd and Pharr signed a separate articulation agreement that guarantees graduates of South Piedmont's Human Services program admission to Mars Hill's Bachelor of Social Work program.</p><p>"We are very excited to have this opportunity to partner with South Piedmont and their Human Services program. South Piedmont Human Services students will bring skills and a strong foundation to the BSW program at Mars Hill," said Beth Vogler, chair of Mars Hill's Department of Social Work.</p><p>Students interested in the Mountain Lion Promise may contact Carolyn Kuzell, associate director of admissions at Mars Hill University, at CKuzell@mhuledu or 828-689-1589; or contact an advisor at South Piedmont at Advising@SPCC.edu or 704-290-5213.</p><i>Source: Mars Hill University</i><br><i>Photo courtesy of South Piedmont Community College</i><br><div><br></div><p></p><p></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.wncbusiness.com">WNC Business</a></small></p>urn:uuid:e89321d3-e624-4e5a-a1cf-bcfe75865c562023-10-25T10:09:46-04:002023-11-01T19:43:35-04:00Apprenticeships: Meeting the demand for skilled trades professionals2023-10-25 10:09:45 -0400Dr. Laura B. Leatherwood<div><div><p>At a time when industry demand for skilled trades workers outpaces supply, Blue Ridge Community College continues to leverage and innovate apprenticeships as a valuable strategy to bring qualified professionals to these technical fields.</p><p>As it stands, there are only 72 workers available for every 100 open jobs, according to the US Chamber of Commerce. Meanwhile, a proprietary model developed by Associated Builders and Contractors shows that in 2024, the industry must source at least an additional 342,000 new workers beyond normal hiring to avoid construction backlogs.</p><p>This predicament translates to slower builds on housing statewide, exacerbating an issue that is especially evident for low-income residents. The National Low Income Housing Coalition’s Gap Report shows that in North Carolina, while there are over 343,000 extremely low-income renter households, only about 135,000 units exist, translating to a gap of 208,000 units.</p><p>So, at its core, our present dilemma with the availability and cost of housing is — in part — a workforce problem that requires a workforce solution. Fortunately, meeting these kinds of challenges head on is where community colleges shine.</p><h2>Bridging the gap through apprenticeships</h2><p>Part of the statewide ApprenticeshipNC program of the North Carolina Community College System, our Apprenticeship Blue Ridge program is one of our college’s fastest-growing areas. It presently offers certifications in 10 technical disciplines, allowing eligible high school graduates and adult learners to earn a living wage both in the classroom and on the job while learning a skilled trade.</p><p>Our program is a delicate balancing act with special efforts made to ensure mutual benefits for the student and industry partner alike. We leaned away from a traditional classroom-based schedule, translating the majority of learning into hands-on training, side by side with a licensed professional. The result is a sustainable partnership of contextualized learning and on-the-job experience.</p><p>Intensifying communication between the college and industry partners made a difference, too. Weekly conversations determine how the apprentices — and the overall program — are working. Further, we ensure that those teaching the content are experts in their respective trades. Partner employers supply all instructors, so it’s a win-win for employers who can recruit and train a new crop of employees, resulting in positive relationships that foster longer-term employment.</p><p>The feedback we’re getting is extremely promising, and so are our results. So far, the college has experienced a 90% retention rate among apprentices. These students are finishing their programs equipped with the right skills for their trades, ready to continue their careers with their apprenticeship employers and the very instructors under whom they studied.</p><p>“One of the best things I’ve learned at Blue Ridge is that you don’t have to go one certain way in life; there are many paths to success,” shared 20-year-old apprentice Bailey Fox.</p><p>Fox recently left a traditional 4-year school to study plumbing at Blue Ridge under the direction of instructors from T.P. Howard’s Plumbing Company, Inc.</p><p>“It’s really nice to apply what you are learning,” he added, noting the expertise of the teaching staff. “My instructor is a veteran in the field, and I can ask questions and bounce ideas off of him. He knows what he’s talking about.”</p><h2>Tools for success</h2><p>While Fox may be on his way to becoming a young professional in a skilled trade, expertise in parallel life skills and business fluency and the consequent retention of each future employee are also paramount to the success of each student.</p><p>As a result, the Blue Ridge team built additional resources into the program that extend beyond technical acumen, teaching skills like financial literacy and business management. A mentorship component, meanwhile, enables the college to step in when students encounter barriers to success like housing, child care, or transportation.</p><p>Apprentice Seth Wilson said the program has not only been extremely effective in preparing him for technical aspects of the job, but also taught him other critical facets of a business, such as collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.</p><p>“The leaders teach you so much,” Wilson said. “There are never perfect instructions when you show up at a job — you have to troubleshoot and understand how systems work, and you have to communicate with business owners, general contractors, and professionals in just about every trade. I feel like this program has really given me a head start.”</p><p>Innovation and relationship when solving complex challenges like the present housing crisis in our state is crucial. Apprenticeship Blue Ridge is moving the needle, one skilled worker at a time.</p><p><em>The growing Apprenticeship Blue Ridge program offers tracks in skilled trades fields like electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning (HVAC), and construction, as well as other pathways meeting workforce needs in manufacturing, early childhood education, automotive, and more. Learn more <a href="https://www.blueridge.edu/programs-courses/apprenticeships/#apprentice" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">here</a>.</em></p></div><div><div><div><div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div><div></div></div></div></div><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.wncbusiness.com">WNC Business</a></small></p>urn:uuid:2b677f9d-280f-4d71-b12d-9797e7ecd1df2023-10-23T13:47:01-04:002023-10-23T13:47:04-04:00HCEF announces distribution of funds2023-10-23 13:47:00 -0400WNC Business<span><p>HENDERSONVILLE - Through the incredible generosity of multiple donors, the Henderson County Education Foundation is once again in a position to provide discretionary funds to meet the day to day emergent needs of students. </p><p>To honor National Principals Month in October, HCEF distributed a total of $23,000 in checks to support 23 schools within Henderson County Public Schools. </p><p>The HCEF Spring Fund, which has been a beacon of support for over three decades, ensures a minimum annual allocation of $1,000 to each school principal. This funding serves as a valuable tool to leverage the principal’s capacity to more effectively respond and support students facing immediate challenges. Previously known as "The Special Fund for Children," this initiative was established by HCEF in 1989, thanks to an anonymous benefactor. </p><p>These discretionary funds prove to be a lifeline for students and families facing sudden tragedies or grappling with extraordinary financial hardships. Principals use these resources to provide additional support for various needs such as gas cards, school supplies, meals outside of school, graduation materials, essential medications, and clothing such as warm coats during the winter months. </p><p>Peggy Marshall, the Executive Director of HCEF, emphasized the crucial role principals play in responding to the specific needs that students encounter during the school year. Marshall expressed gratitude to the donors who make it possible for the foundation to empower principals to support the most vulnerable school families. </p><p>The 2023 Super Spring Fund sponsors are AdventHealth, Champion Comfort Experts, and Only Hope WNC, and the Spring Fund sponsors are Alessi Insurance Services, Blue Ridge Orthodontics, Champion Credit Union, Eagle Self Storage, UNC Health Pardee, Rosemary and Rick Johnston, Curt and Sue Marker, and Kiki and Vaughan Matthews.</p><p>HCEF would also like to announce the dates for the annual Food for Thought Campaign. Dine at any participating Henderson County restaurant between January 12 and 28, 2024, and donate $5 to enter a draw for a $50 restaurant gift card. Visiting three or more restaurants during the campaign could win you extra prizes. All proceeds will support the annual Spring Fund and directly benefit students in Henderson County Public Schools. For the last six years, our restaurant community has faithfully and generously supported the annual Food for Thought Campaign to support local public education. If you're a restaurant interested in partnering, please contact HCEF at Info@HCEFNCorg. </p><p></p><b>About the Henderson County Education Foundation: </b><br>Founded in October 1986, the Henderson County Education Foundation, exists to improve the educational experience for Henderson County students and teachers for 35 years. The mission of the Henderson County Education Foundation is to serve Henderson County Public Schools by investing in and responding to the whole child and the whole school to create a thriving community.<br><div><br></div></span><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.wncbusiness.com">WNC Business</a></small></p>urn:uuid:006c6abc-2927-458c-95ce-73a69423b94e2023-10-17T17:39:35-04:002023-11-07T14:40:57-05:00Mars Hill University receives $2 million grant 2023-10-17 17:39:34 -0400WNC Business<p>MARS HILL - Mars Hill University has been awarded a grant of nearly $2 million as part of the Strengthening Institutions Program of the U.S. Department of Education. "This is a highly competitive program, and we are thrilled that our proposal has been selected for funding," said Executive Vice President Tracy Parkinson, who will serve as administrative lead for the grant's implementation.</p><p>The SIP program supports colleges and universities that are committed to serving a socio-economically diverse student body. To be implemented over five years, the MHU program is intended to further the university's strategic commitment to equitable opportunities for student success and is titled Project RISE, Realizing Inclusion, Success, and Empowerment. It will include an academic success coaching initiative providing personalized coaching for students with high potential to benefit. Grant funding will allow the university to partner with InsideTrack, a higher education leader in student success initiatives, to launch its coaching program. By the end of the grant period, Mars Hill will have added a team of on-site academic success coaches to support its students.</p><p>The grant will also support MHU's Center for Engaged Teaching and Learning in its initiatives to provide faculty development in success-oriented instructional design. "We want our teaching at MHU to position every student to be successful, and this grant will allow us to partner with national leaders in universal design to support our faculty," said Chris Cain, director of the CETL and professor of education, who will take on the role of SIP director. He will be supported by a full-time coordinator funded by the grant.</p><p>Additional funding will support expansion of the Men of Distinction program, founded by Roderica Williams, associate vice president for student success, as well as faculty development and resources related to promising practices in academic advising.</p><p>Other members of the grant development team included Ryan Bell, director of advising and coordinator of First Year Seminars; Kris Pack, director of research and reporting; Dave Rozeboom, vice president for student life; Laura Steil, chair of the faculty and professor of mathematics, Lisa Wachtman, senior director of student success, and Stacey Sparks, grants coordinator. "I am tremendously grateful for this team and those who supported them. Proposals of this magnitude require a remarkable amount of work and dedication," said MHU President Tony Floyd.</p><p><i>Source: Mars Hill University</i></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.wncbusiness.com">WNC Business</a></small></p>