RALEIGH,
N.C., May 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The North
Carolina State Board of Community Colleges approved several new
programs and certifications at the April
19 board meeting, demonstrating the importance of preparing
students for emerging industries.
Among the new programs are Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment
Technician Certification, Lithium-Ion Battery Manufacturing,
Artificial Intelligence, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operator
Flight Training, and UAS Operations Management.
"By prioritizing active listening to employers, maintaining
agility, and responding swiftly to market demands, we're ensuring
that educational offerings remain relevant and impactful," said
State Board Chair Tom Looney.
"Investing in high-cost, high-growth programs is a strategic move
that addresses the current needs of our employers and positions
students for lucrative, cutting-edge career opportunities."
Details of each program are illustrated below:
- Electrical Vehicle Supply Equipment Technician Certification
– Wake Technical Community College will offer students an
opportunity to learn the fundamentals of electric vehicle charging
at different levels of charging infrastructure, manufacturers and
products, regulations governing chargers, and charging
installations.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Central Piedmont Community College will offer an
associate-degree program in artificial technology starting in Fall
2024. Central Piedmont is only the
second North Carolina community
college to offer an AI degree program. Wayne
Community College first offered it in 2021. The curriculum
will cover machine learning, chatbots and generative AI, chatbot
programming, artificial intelligence programming, system analysis
and design, and AI applications in various industries.
- Lithium-Ion Battery Manufacturing – Guilford Technical Community College will offer
students an opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of
Lithium-ion battery principles, battery manufacturing processes,
and testing.
- Unmanned Aircraft Systems – Beaufort County Community College will offer two
new programs in UAS/Drone Operations:
- UAS Operator Flight Training: Prepares students for
UAS/Drone commercial certification.
- UAS Operations Management: Designed as a follow-up to
obtaining the FAA Part 107 Certificate and will help prepare
students to conduct safe and legal UAS operations in a wide range
of commercial settings.
The approval of these programs underscores the State Board's
dedication to fostering a skilled workforce capable of driving
economic growth. Through collaboration with industry partners, the
Colleges remain committed to empowering students with the tools
they need to succeed in an ever-changing world.
These courses are now available for all 58 institutions to offer
across the state. Learn more about programs offered at North Carolina community colleges using the
Program Finder tool.
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SOURCE North Carolina Community College System