News Articles
Apprenticeship Randolph
February 14, 2020
Apprenticeship Randolph — a collaboration of Randolph Community College, the Randolph County School System, Asheboro City Schools, the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce and local manufacturers — has opened registration for the 2020 cohort.
Students may register for the program through March 10 and attend open house events hosted by 17 participating industry partners.
Junior and senior high school students interested in manufacturing technology, automotive systems technology and information technology are encouraged to contact their career development counselors for assistance. Eligible students must attend school and reside in Randolph County.
The program begins with a six-week, pre-apprenticeship summer program that consists of classes at Randolph Community College and 40 hours per week of on-the-job training. Once a business selects its apprentice after the trial period, the program is spread over four years with students receiving paid, on-the-job training while earning an associate of applied science degree in manufacturing technology, automotive systems technology or information technology, all through RCC. They also earn a journeyworker certificate from the N.C. Community College System and U.S. Department of Labor.
Randleman High School student Brandon Hill started his apprenticeship in 2017 with industry partner Hubbell Industrial Controls in Archdale.
Apprenticeship Randolph began in June 2016 with a goal to bridge both the interest and skill gaps in modern manufacturing and provide a vehicle for expanding the workforce pool for advanced manufacturing in the county. Tuition is funded through Career and College Promise and the N.C. Youth Apprenticeship Tuition Waiver Program, and books are paid for by the school systems and the participating companies.
Source: Triad Business Journal
Randolph County business seeks grant to add jobs
February 11, 2020
Lawrence Industries is seeking a $230,000 Building Reuse Grant from the North Carolina Department of Commerce to help fund a proposed expansion at its plant at 7246 Wright Road in Thomasville. The planned expansion would create at least 29 full-time jobs.
According to the Randolph County Economic Development Corp., the company is seeking to increase production capacity to meet rising customer demand for its window hardware, which is custom designed and injection molded on site. Lawrence Industries plans to add 15,000 square feet to its plant, an investment of almost $2.7 million including manufacturing equipment.
Lawrence Industries identifies itself as a “world leader in the design, tooling and production of high-performance American lead free composite window hardware,” according to its website. With 30 years of experience in zinc die casting, metal stamping and injection molding, the company is now designing and developing new high-performance composite products. Its custom-blended composites are marine grade featuring superior to metals in strength, impact, corrosion resistance and surface finish.
The company serves customers across the country, producing 100% of its hardware in locally. Randolph County approved submission of the grant application in January, and award decisions will be announced by the Commerce Department Feb. 20.
Source: Triad Business Journal