Cape Fear Community College is partnering with the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), a nonprofit professional association, to launch a certified manufacturing associate program in January. 

CFCC joins SME’s Manufacturing Imperative Workforce Pipeline Coalition, a nationwide initiative with a projected $6 billion economic impact aimed at addressing a manufacturing workforce shortage, according to a press release. 

CFCC will officially launch its participation in the program at its Advanced Manufacturing Expo on Nov. 19 at its North Campus. 

“Our goal is to create more than a pathway into manufacturing,” said Stephen O'Neil, CFCC department chair of advanced manufacturing, in the release. “We want to build lasting connections between our students, industry partners, and the career opportunities available throughout our region. This partnership gives us another valuable tool to accomplish that.”

The manufacturing associate program will introduce students to fundamental manufacturing concepts, including technical mathematics, precision measurement, engineering graphics and workplace safety. Registration is currently open for the new program, which will begin in January. 

According to the release, the initiative builds on CFCC’s existing SME student chapter and its eight advanced manufacturing programs: mechanical engineering technology, electronics engineering technology, mechatronics engineering technology, computer-integrated machining, welding technology, nuclear technology, chemical technology, and biotechnology.

“Welcoming Cape Fear Community College to the (SME’s Manufacturing Imperative Workforce Pipeline Coalition) network marks an important step in expanding our efforts to strengthen the nation's manufacturing workforce,” said Elizabeth Hibner, a program lead with SME’s Manufacturing Imperative Workforce Pipeline Coalition, in the release. “By bringing educators, community members and local manufacturers together, we can better align training programs with industry needs, create meaningful career pathways and help build a sustainable pipeline of skilled talent.”