Monday, September 9, 2013

September 2013: Senator Kay Hagan Supports Partnership Success Between COA and Gunboat



NEWS
            For Immediate Release
            September 6, 2013
            CONTACT: Jessica Bursenos, Web Content Manager
            Release No: 34ST-PR-2013

Senator Kay Hagan Supports Partnership Success Between COA and Gunboat

On August 21st U.S. Senator Kay Hagan toured Gunboat to promote the America Works Act, a bill that would strengthen the relationship between North Carolina’s community college system and local businesses by directing federal funding towards technical programs.

While Gunboat, a company that builds luxury catamarans, has only been in Wanchese North Carolina for a year, they are already benefiting from College of The Albemarle’s Customized Training Program.  According to Suzanne Rohrbaugh, the college’s vice president for Workforce Development and Continuing Education, COA has provided 26 employees for Gunboat in the past year. 

Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of College of The Albemarle, said the college has participated in a pilot program, partnering with Gunboat and the National Association of Manufacturers to produce a curriculum that provides graduates a credential recognized anywhere in the country. She also suggested a federal incentive would bring in more money for skilled instructors as well as necessary training equipment. The program has focused on safety as well as a high tech vacuum infusion molding process, a new procedure in the boating industry. The college brought in expert Phil Steggall from New Zealand to be the course instructor.

COA’s partnership with Gunboat is slated to last three years, from March of 2012 to March of 2015, during which time, the college will offer customized training in vacuum infusion molding and other industry specific areas. 
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