Acting President Discusses Workforce Initiatives with State Leaders

Mark Lorence, acting president of Edgecombe Community College, was among Edgecombe County leaders who met with state officials Tuesday to discuss the county’s challenges and successes during a Hometown Strong event.

Mark Lorence, acting president of Edgecombe Community College, was among Edgecombe County officials who addressed the governor’s cabinet representatives during this week’s Hometown Strong event.

Governor Roy Cooper’s Hometown Strong initiative partners with local leaders in rural communities to identify issues, priorities, and successes. The goal is to meet the communities’ unique needs and improve how state government functions in rural North Carolina.

Edgecombe County is the sixth county statewide to host a Hometown Strong event, which was held June 19 in the county’s administration building.

“We’re here to learn how to do things better for the State of North Carolina and to build on strengths and assets already in place,” said Pryor Gibson, director of Hometown Strong.

The event was organized in roundtable discussions, during which Edgecombe leaders addressed specific topics including education, workforce, health, and social services.

Lorence was one of two officials who focused on workforce. He described the initiatives under way at Edgecombe Community College to develop and improve the local manufacturing workforce, which has dominated the headlines since the December 2017 announcements by Triangle Tire and Corning Inc. to locate at the Kingsboro Megasite.

“The College partners with Edgecombe schools to expose students to manufacturing careers,” Lorence explained. “At no cost to them, high school students can earn college-level certificates in advanced manufacturing, industrial controls, engineering design, construction building, welding, and supply chain management. All of these certificates can be applied toward ECC diploma or degree programs.”

Once students complete high school and enroll at ECC, 24 degree, diploma, and certificate opportunities are available in manufacturing-related fields.

Also, two construction projects on the horizon will enable the College to better develop and sustain a skilled manufacturing workforce.

The Center for Innovation on the Tarboro campus will serve high school and adult student populations seeking credentials in the College’s advanced manufacturing programs.

The Advanced Manufacturing Training Center at the Kingsboro Megasite will serve employees of Triangle Tire through training programs for prospective and current employees.

“United, these facilities will enable Edgecombe Community College to cultivate, train, and maintain a skilled industrial workforce second to none in North Carolina,” Lorence said.