The new programs and certifications span lithium-ion battery manufacturing to AI and drones.
RALEIGH, N.C.—The North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges recently approved several new programs and certifications to help prepare students for emerging industries, according to a release from the North Carolina Community College System.
The new programs include Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Technician Certification, Lithium-Ion Battery Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, UAS Operator Flight Training, and UAS Operations Management. These courses are available for all 58 institutions to offer across the state, the release said.
“By prioritizing active listening to employers, maintaining agility, and responding swiftly to market demands, we’re ensuring that educational offerings remain relevant and impactful,” said State Board Chair Tom Looney, in the release. “Investing in high-cost, high-growth programs is a strategic move that addresses the current needs of our employers and positions students for lucrative, cutting-edge career opportunities.”
In the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Technician Certification program, Wake Technical Community College will offer students an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of electric vehicle charging at different levels of charging infrastructure. Students can also learn about manufacturers and products, regulations governing chargers, and charging installations.
Central Piedmont Community College will offer an associate-degree program in artificial intelligence (AI) technology starting in Fall 2024. Central Piedmont is reportedly only the second North Carolina community college to offer an AI degree program; Wayne Community College first offered it in 2021. The curriculum will cover machine learning, chatbots and generative AI, chatbot programming, artificial intelligence programming, system analysis and design, and AI applications in various industries, according to the release.
Students will receive exposure to an emerging battery technology through the Lithium-Ion Battery Manufacturing program. Guilford Technical Community College will offer students an opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of lithium-ion battery principles, battery manufacturing processes, and testing.
In the Unmanned Aircraft Systems program, Beaufort County Community College will offer two new programs in UAS/Drone Operations.
The UAS Operator Flight Training segment will prepare students for UAS/Drone commercial certification. In addition, the UAS Operations Management program is designed as a follow-up to obtaining the FAA Part 107 Certificate. It “will help prepare students to conduct safe and legal UAS operations in a wide range of commercial settings,” the release said.
The approval of these programs is said to underscore the State Board’s dedication to fostering a skilled workforce capable of driving economic growth. By collaborating with industry partners, the colleges are seeking to empower students “with the tools they need to succeed in an ever-changing world,” according to the release.