State Board Approves $1 Million in Funding for Eight-Week Construction Academies

For Immediate Release 

Dec. 16, 2022 
 

RALEIGH – The State Board of Community Colleges approved $1 million Friday to fund eight-week Construction Academies at North Carolina community colleges. The academies will bridge the growing need for more in-state construction trades talent with the success and demand of short-term, eight-week course instruction. 

The new work-based learning program is for colleges that already have an existing construction program or have the demand to expand on the need for construction courses. The program will include hands-on learning, core competencies, safety training, and collaboration with construction industry leaders. 

The funding allocation is focused to three areas: $775,000 allocated to colleges to support the develop of the academies; $160,000 for North Carolina Community College System staff to develop the program and manage priority initiatives; and $60,000 to a lead college to develop an industry-informed alignment of credit and short-term workforce development offerings. 

“The North Carolina Community College System has long been a provider of exceptional talent to our construction trades industries and now we aim to do it at a pace that is even better for businesses and our residents,” said State Board of Community Colleges Chairman Burr Sullivan. “North Carolina community colleges are special in our ability to move quickly to meet industry needs and these new construction academies demonstrate our commitment to serving our communities.” 

President Search Update: The State Board of Community Colleges’ Presidential Search Committee heard an update on the hire of Buffkin/Baker as the search firm to recruit and assess the next leader of the North Carolina Community College System. Buffkin/Baker is working closely with members of the Search Committee to finalize the presidential position profile that will formally start the solicitation of applications for the position. 

Other Action Items 

Course Approval: The State Board approved a Cable Installer Application course to be taught to North Carolina correctional facility inmates as a part of continuing education and workforce development. 

Personnel: The State Board approved the following new hires: 

• Amy Davis-Moore for the position of Director of Communications for ApprenticeshipNC, an ancillary division of the North Carolina Community College System. Davis previously served as the program coordinator for the Broadcast and Production Technology program at Forysth Technical Community College. 

• David Chappell for the position of Information Security Officer. He previously worked at Teledyne Scientific and Imaging as the Information System Security Manager/Architect. 

• Mark Hagenbuch for the position of Deputy Director of the Small Business Center Network. Hagenbuch formerly served as the Director of the Small Business Center at Guilford Technical Community College. 

• Tommy Ledford for the position of Cloud Systems Engineer. Ledford previously served as the Chief Information Officer at Mayland Community College. 

 

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About the North Carolina Community College System 
 
The North Carolina Community College System is a network created to improve the quality of life across North Carolina by opening the door to opportunities that minimize barriers to post-secondary education, maximize student success and develop a globally and multi-culturally competent workforce. The 58 institutions located throughout the state work to provide easy access to low-cost, high-quality educational opportunities and academic support that focuses on increasing employability. For more information, please visit: www.nccommunitycolleges.edu.