Cape Fear Community College hired John Downing as the college’s new director of customized training and workforce development.
 
Downing previously held the position of director of customized training at Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston-Salem, according to a news release. There, he partnered with local area manufacturers to provide training for their new workforce.

He worked for 14 years with the N.C. Department of Labor Apprenticeship and Training Division where he was assigned to the Greensboro, Winston-Salem and the High Point areas, the release stated.
 
Downing also worked for Veterans Affairs to approve apprenticeship programs for the GI Bill and as a training officer for a 600-person electric, water and sewer utility in Fayetteville.
 
“I am really excited about the opportunity to work with businesses and industries in New Hanover and Pender counties,” Downing said in the release about his new role. “It will be an honor to assist the local companies, residents, and region to grow. A well-trained workforce is vital to the economic health of a region.”