By David Purtell

david.purtell@salisburypost.com

KANNAPOLIS — Plans for a program focused on delivering qualified workers to manufacturing companies in the region were laid out Tuesday morning at the North Carolina Research Campus.

The North Carolina Manufacturing Institute will vet and train workers for positions that companies need to fill. The program is a partnership between, NCWorks, the Centralina Workforce Development Board, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College and the two counties’ economic development agencies and chambers of commerce.

Manufacturing companies have told officials they have jobs available but can’t find qualified workers. The Manufacturing Institute, which has been in development since last year, is meant to help solve that problem.

The institute wants to help mold future leaders of the industry and bring women into jobs normally associated with men — such as welding.

Participants will go through an eight-week training regimen, earn national certification and get hands-on experience in manufacturing processes. People who complete the program will be considered “certified production technicians” and will be connected with employers.

NCWorks will work to find funding to cover the cost of the training for participants.

Workplace safety will also be an important part of the training.

Participants will have to prove they can be reliable employees by showing up to class on time and passing a drug test.

“You can get fired from this class,” Patrick Coughlin, president of the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce, said.

The institute will provide baseline training so employees bring value to a company on day one of the job, he said.

The institute will also work to change the community mindset toward manufacturing, Coughlin said, and encourage people to think about possible careers in the field.

Robert Van Geons, executive director of Rowan’s economic development corporation, said developing the area’s workforce was one of the primary objectives that came out of the community forum on economic development held in March.

“This does that,” he said about the institute’s goal.

He said the community finally has the right mix of resources to make this type of program happen.

Tim Daiss, vice president of human resources for Alevo, said programs like the Manufacturing Institute are a great way for startups to find the workers they need.

Alevo is a startup company operating in the former Philip Morris factory in Concord. The company will make huge battery systems to store energy. The company has said it could hire up to 2,500 people for the plant in the next few years.

“We all need good people,” he said about businesses.

The institute wants to recruit 40 businesses to partner in the program. Funding for the institute will come from those businesses, $1,000 a year for advertising and $1,000 per certified worker that makes it through a probationary period with a company after completing the program.

The $1,000 per worker will be used to fund scholarships for new participants in the program.

Federal grants will also be sought for the program.

An orientation for people interested in participating in the institute will be held soon. The exact date has not been set.

Visit www.ncmanufacturinginstitute.com for more information.

Contact Reporter David Purtell at 704-797-4264.