Center trains BRCC students for advanced manufacturing jobs

In Blue Ridge Community College’s new technical center, students learn how to program manufacturing assembly lines, to use computer programs to design parts and to operate hydraulic pumps and cylinders.

“These are all skills they’ll use in an advanced manufacturing environment,” said Bob Zickefoose, an assistant mechanical engineering professor during a open house for the facility Wednesday.

Conceived of 10 years ago, the center officially opened with the beginning of fall semester this year.

“The timing is beautiful for opening now,” said John Downey, president of the college. “Despite people losing jobs as the recession has hit, there are still a lot of companies that say they can’t find employees with the skills they need.”

The 20,500-square-foot building houses the college’s engineering, physics, mathematics, electronics and automated manufacturing programs.

It is also home to the manufacturing engineering technology program, one of the institution’s newer degree tracks, said Bridget Baylor, spokeswoman for the school.

“It provides our students enrolled in these programs state-of-the-art training so that they’ll be ready to go out and work with the latest technology,” Baylor said.

In addition to boosting the college’s academic programs, the center is an important economic development endeavor, said Robin Sullenberger, CEO of the Shenandoah Valley Partnership.

“This is the crown jewel is an already-efficient workforce development network that we have in the Valley,” he said. “In particular, this facility adds capacity to address modern advanced manufacturing techniques.”

About one-fifth of jobs in the region are in manufacturing, which is witnessing a shift from traditional to advanced techniques, Downey said.

“Where under the traditional model a high school diploma might have been enough, employers now need technically skilled and trained employees,” he said. “This building addresses that need. I really believe it’s going to help the local economy.”

The college works closely with area industries to make sure the skills taught at the center match those needed by local employers. The programs focus primarily on electronic technology, computer repair and manufacturing engineering technology, Downey said.

“All three areas support industry in the manufacturing sector in our region,” he said. “I think we’re going to attract new businesses and help existing businesses expand as a result of a better-trained workforce.”

Community outreach by the college also includes partnerships with area public schools, Downey said.

Career coaches, funding equally by the schools and the college, work in partnership with guidance counselors.

“Their sole job is to work with kids to figure out what careers they’re interesting in pursuing and making sure they know what steps they need to take to get there,” he said.