By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

EAST SPENCER — Looking for a job in the manufacturing industry, but don’t know where to start? East Spencer is host to a NC Manufacturing Institute classes where people who want to learn about manufacturing job opportunities and training can meet at no cost to qualified participants.

The classes have already occurred at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, but a second location with the town of East Spencer was recently added. The class will be held Fridays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. beginning this Friday and again Aug. 26 and Sept. 2 at town hall, 105 S. Long St.

“To get manufacturers to come here you have to have skilled workers,” said East Spencer Town Administrator David Jaynes.

Participants, who don’t have to reside in East Spencer, will learn about manufacturing job opportunities, training available to earn and become a Certified Production Technician, and scholarships to fund training and certifications for interested individuals.

“It’s to encourage more industrial growth in this area. The county has seen there is a need for this kind of education,” Jaynes said.

The idea for the NC Manufacturing Institute began in 2014 as a response to employers’ need for solving talent recruitment issues. The initiative creates an opportunity for people to acquire skills in order to access jobs in their local community.

The North Carolina Manufacturing Institute is designed to train people in Rowan and Cabarrus counties to solve a growing gap between regional job seekers and available positions.

Visit www.ncmanufacturinginstitute.com for more details.