Large Grant Brings Training, New Equipment to ACC Machining January 23, 2007

Released By Alamance Community College

ACC and GKN are collaborating on a training program made possible by a $235,512 grant from Duke Energy.

The grant funds provided new machining equipment and software, installed in December, that will move ACC's established Machining Technology program to state-of-the-art status mirroring that used by its collaborative partner, GKN Driveline, Inc., as well as at other machining companies in the area. Training on the new equipment also will allow GKN to create several new positions and retain 50 in its recently expanded operation.

"This enhancement to our machining program will allow us even more opportunities to provide technical training to GKN and other such businesses in Alamance County so that they may grow and expand, thus hiring more trained workers and upgrading their current workforce," commented Jeff Bright, ACC's assistant to the president for Business and Industry Training.

The new Machining Technology courses using the new equipment are being implemented this semester.

The Duke Energy Community College Grant Program was established to fund training efforts to recruit new and retain existing industries in the Duke Power North Carolina service area, with emphasis on grants to community and technical colleges. The program is administered by Foundation for The Carolinas.

Contact Information:

Vicki H. Wilson, Director
Public Information and Marketing Office
336-506-4178

Jonathan Young, Staff Writer
Public Information and Marketing Office
336-506-4122