CVCC breaks ground on new complex

FROM O-N-E REPORTS, The Observer News Enterprise

HICKORY - Catawba Valley Community College recently broke ground on its new Workforce Solutions Complex on November 4th.

A culmination of many years of planning and collaboration with the three public school systems, the $25 million project is funded by Catawba County Commissioners. It creates state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratory spaces to teach advanced manufacturing skills and other technical skills in demand by a growing local and state economy.

The 83,000-square-foot facility will replace the original CVCC instructional building constructed in 1958. It will house technology and engineering programs, including Computer Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Computer Integrated Machining, Electronics Engineering Technology, Automotive Systems Technology, Welding, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics and Robotics, and Heating/Ventilation & Air Conditioning. 

"Manufacturers that survived the recession are now heavily tech-based and rely on a skilled workforce to operate that technology," said Dr. Garrett D. Hinshaw, president of CVCC. "These companies rely on computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools, computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) programs, robotics, and are all heavily computer-based. CVCC's new Workforce Solutions Complex will ensure a future pipeline of talent for high-tech jobs, making our area even more attractive to a new and expanding industry." 

For more information, contact Sherry Williams, executive assistant to the college president, swilliams@cvcc.edu, 828-327-7000, ext 4280.