CVCC Holds “Create Your Future” Career Showcase Highlighting Manufacturing Careers

Commscope Display Create Your Future Showcase Image

Catawba Valley Community College recently held a week-long series of events to expand public awareness of and improve the perception of manufacturing careers and the value of manufacturing to our state and local economies.

Coordinated by the college’s Business & Industry Services team headed by Executive Director Crystal Glenn, the week started with a “Social Media Blitz.” CVCC students, faculty and staff were given free pizza when they posted “Create Your Future” information on social media. A total of 60 pizzas were distributed across CVCC’s Main Campus, East Campus, Corporate Development Center and the CVCC Alexander Center for Education. Pizzas were also distributed to Career Technology Education students at St. Stephen’s and Bandy’s High Schools, and Newton-Conover High School cheerleaders.

Manufacturing facility tours were conducted at Lee Industries, Special Metals, GKN Driveline, WestRock and Craftmaster Furniture. More than 100 individuals participated in manufacturing tours which included students as well as people from the community.

CVCC hosted a “Create Your Future” manufacturing career showcase coordinated by CVCC Customized Training Coordinator Kristin Wright. Held at the college’s Tarlton Complex, approximately 400 attended. Company representatives and CVCC educators interacted with parents and students in grade seven to 12. Career opportunities that exist within manufacturing and the relevant educational pathways that make them a reality were highlighted.

“Manufacturing is alive and thriving in Catawba and Alexander counties,” said Gary Muller, Dean of CVCC’s School of Business, Industry & Technology. “There are great career opportunities in our community. Our goal is to highlight them and make the community aware that CVCC is offering the necessary training to be successful in those careers.”

Door prizes of a mini iPad, $250 Best Buy gift card, and $250 Rock Barn Golf and Spa gift card were underwritten by industry donations.

The week’s activities concluded with an appreciation reception for industry and community partners who participated in the week-long series of events. Coordinated by CVCC Apprenticeship Coordinator Kimberly Propst, the event took place at Conover Station. CVCC partnered with the American Home Furnishing Alliance as they too had a week-long series of events in and around the Catawba County area.  Approximately 60 individuals attended this event.

For more information about educational opportunities in manufacturing, contact Crystal Glenn, 828-327-7000, ext. 4293.