Statesville, NC–Mitchell Community College held Advanced Manufacturing Open House on Tuesday, April 14, at the Workforce Development Center. The event included information sessions and facility tours in manufacturing fields such as Advanced Integrated Manufacturing Systems (AIMS)/Electrical Technology, CAD/Drafting, Electronics, HVAC/Welding and Machining.
“This is an excellent example of the whole of Iredell County coming together to celebrate and recognize the importance of advanced manufacturing to the current and future economy of our area,” said Carol Johnson, vice president for continuing education at Mitchell. “This event has been a collaboration between the College, Mooresville/South Iredell Economic Development, Statesville Regional Development, Iredell Statesville Schools and the Mooresville Graded School District.”
Local industry representatives were present to discuss careers in the Iredell County area. Scott Mishler of Niagara Bottling (Mooresville) noted that the training at Mitchell prepares students for competitive industry standards. “The value you’ll get out of these classes is substantial. This equipment is exactly what you’ll see in the field, just on a smaller scale.”
Advanced Manufacturing Open House began as an initiative to raise awareness of manufacturing careers in North Carolina. Local high schools have taken the opportunity to educate students on future career options. “Our students become more aware of the jobs that are out there and the skills that are needed,” said Teresa Hays, principal at North Iredell High School. “Mitchell gives our students more local and economical choices while maintaining high-tech instruction.”