Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

CONCORD — Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is in the process of expanding and enhancing the offerings at its Cabarrus Business and Technology Center, located on U.S. Hwy. 29 in Concord.

Rowan-Cabarrus recently bought the former Webster Radiator and A.C. shop at 723 Concord Parkway, N. This facility, directly adjacent to the Cabarrus Business and Technology Center (CBTC), gives the college additional space as well as frontage along the main road.

“We are so excited to be in this new location. We have the opportunity to offer programs that we’ve never been able to offer before in Cabarrus County,” said Dr. Carol S. Spalding, president of Rowan-Cabarrus.

The additional space gives the college the ability to expand in key areas such as light diesel technology and advanced welding technology.

“With over 230 automotive dealers and repair shops in Cabarrus County, there is an increasing demand for skilled light diesel technicians. Most employers prefer applicants to have completed post-secondary training programs in diesel repair and received industry certification,” said Dr. Michael Quillen, vice president of the college’s academic programs.

Projections of the transportation and warehousing industry and the wholesale trades industry sector clearly indicate the need for this program to train almost 1,600 workers in Cabarrus County alone by 2024. Job opportunities will be best for those who have completed postsecondary training and received industry certification.

The college, in coordination with several local partners, is applying for a grant that would fund the development of these new programs. If awarded, the grant would renovate approximately 12,000 square feet of space to support light diesel technology and advanced welding technology programs.

The college doesn’t have welding in Cabarrus County, and the ability to offer advanced welding would help support local industry. Long-term projections indicate an average of 320 annual openings in the need for advanced welders in North Carolina.

“Looming retirements of baby boomers employed in top employing industries like manufacturing and construction make the need for more welders even more pressing,” said Quillen.

Additionally, the college’s motorsports management technology will also move to this new location. This more visible location provides direct and easy access to the racetrack and employers.

“It is a truly prime location for this industry with several dealerships and repair shops located right along Concord Parkway. These are good employers for our students and present a variety of internship opportunities as well.”

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College also hopes to bring automotive training to Cabarrus County, as well.

“While there are key differences between traditional automotive and light diesel, there are some overlaps and shared technologies. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to offer automotive training as well,” said Quillen.

Other programs available at the CBTC location include air conditioning, ventilating, heating and refrigeration (HVAC/R), information technology, electronics engineering technology, electrical systems technology and construction management technology.

Also at the CBTC location, the college is launching a new Saturday-only degree program. Designed for working professionals who cannot take time off during the work week, this hybrid program allows students to come on campus just once a week to take classes, while completing the other coursework online on their own time.

For more information about Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, go to www.rccc.edu/apply2017 or call 704-216-RCCC (7222). The college is registering students for spring classes that begin on Jan. 9, 2017.