Events
NC Governor Touts Importance of Workforce Training
Governor Cooper Unveils Jobs Plan at Vernon Malone College and Career Academy
RALEIGH, N.C. (February 13, 2018) - NC Governor Roy Cooper today called the Vernon Malone College and Career Academy, “a perfect example of what works.” Cooper visited the Cooperative Innovative High School to unveil his new jobs initiative, called NC Job Ready. The initiative focuses on education and skills training, employer guidance to ensure training is relevant and innovative programs like Vernon Malone CCA. “We need more places like this all over North Carolina,” Governor Cooper said, “and the business community needs to know that it wins with this type of program.”
Vernon Malone College & Career Academy was established in 2014, through a partnership between Wake Tech Community College, Wake County Public Schools, and Wake County Government. It provides students in grades 9 through 12 with a solid high school education along with technical training in one of seven programs: Biopharmaceutical Technology, Collision Repair, Cosmetology, Multi-Trades Technology, Nurse Aide, Simulation & Game Development, and Welding. Graduates are prepared to continue their studies at a university – or they can apply the credits they’ve earned toward an associate’s degree, certificate, or diploma program at Wake Tech.
Governor Cooper toured technical classrooms at Vernon Malone, including Simulation & Game Development and Cosmetology. He told students that many companies across the state can’t find the skilled workers they need. Wake Tech electrical instructor Steven Hawkins agreed: “The average age of electrical contractors is 58, so the field is wide open!”
“Community colleges are committed to training a skilled workforce,” said Wake Tech President Dr. Stephen Scott. “Wake Tech will continue to explore innovative partnerships and work with business and industry to make sure we produce the highly-qualified workers our region needs.”
