Labor Commissioner discusses workforce development at CFCC
CASTLE HAYNE, NC (WWAY) — The Commissioner of the North Carolina Department of Labor visited the Cape Fear today to tour a local community college and its work-based learning programs.
“The most impressive thing about talking to these students is that they have a plan and a vision for their own future,” said Luke Farley, North Carolina Labor Commissioner, after meeting with students and instructors at Cape Fear Community College’s North Campus.
These work-based learning programs allow students to earn college credit while gaining hands-on experience in fields such as welding, geomatics, and machining. Farley toured several of these programs, including the Electrical Lineworker Training Program, which he believes is crucial to meeting the growing demand for skilled workers.
“People are retiring from those crafts and trades at big numbers. We just heard the average age of an electrical contractor in NC is 57 years old. So, who is going to be the next generation of electricians? Where are they going to get their training? They’re going to get trained here, and the next generation is the students we met today.”
One of those students is Ethan Panz. He is enrolled in the Electrical Systems Program and plans to use the experience he’s gaining to earn his license.
“I’ll get my hours to take my limited electrical contractor’s test, hopefully get my license, and either continue working under someone or start my own business.”
Ethan’s father also completed the program, which inspired him to follow the same path.
“He took a few semesters and then went right into working.”
Ethan credits his professor for his success. He says Mr. Thompson has been very supportive and helpful to all students.
“Mr. Thompson, the teacher here, is really good, really intentional with every student. I knew nothing about electricity, and he helped me out so much.”
Farley also discussed the statewide and national need for skilled trade workers. He emphasized that programs like these are important for addressing the growing shortage of skilled labor.
