(Economic and Workforce Development)

The Economic and Workforce Development division is the College’s largest and most diverse, averaging about 30,000 students per year.

As a non-credit arm of the college, Economic and Workforce Development, has the flexibility to offer short-term courses, broad-based programs, and various services to the citizens of Gaston and Lincoln counties.

Overview

The Economic and Workforce Development division has the flexibility to offer standard job-related or personal enrichment courses and highly specialized or customized courses.  A summary of some of the special services and classes includes:

• A variety of tuition-free courses for senior citizens
• Free GED preparation and testing (Nominal fee for GED testing)
• Free classes leading to an Adult High School Diploma
• Free assistance in resumé preparation, job search skills, and career planning
• Free classes for students whose primary language is NOT English (ESL)
• Many occupational-related classes offered entirely in Spanish
• Specialized certification and recertification classes in a variety of fields including: Fire and Rescue Training, Criminal Justice, Emergency Medical Service, Automotive and Safety Renewal and Emissions, Residential License, Purchasing Managers Series, forklift operator, APICS/CPIM, and Real Estate Fundamentals
• Free classes, consultations, and referrals for potential and current small business owners on a variety of topics including taxes, basic accounting, and a small business seminar series are offered at both campuses.
• Over one hundred and fifty Internet-based courses available 24-hours a day in a variety of topics such as computer applications, SAT Preparation, Logistics, etc.
• Large selection  of classes available to the general public to enhance job skills or for personal enrichment
• Customized computer and professional development training on-site or on campus for business and industry
• Special financial assistance for training is available to manufacturers in a wide variety of workplace skills.

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