The importance of manufacturing to our economy is significant. The manufacturing in the United States currently employs approximately 12 million people and supports an additional 17 million. It is the ninth largest economy and accounts for 21% of all production output in the world.
Average advanced manufacturing wages/salaries in North Carolina are $16 an hour and an annual average salary of $45,000.
Manufacturing is booming in Henderson and Transylvania Counties with several new companies locating to the area and many existing manufacturers expanding. Job opportunities abound for machinist, welders, manufacturing technicians, mechatronics technicians, etc. Blue Ridge Community College students have the option of choosing tracks in Industrial Maintenance, Machining, Welding, Certified Production Technician, Certified Logistics Technician, and AutoCad. These courses are competency-based training programs designed to provide students with enhanced career opportunities in advanced manufacturing. As new companies locate to the area the manufacturing sector of the local economy continues to grow. BRCC competency–based training programs are designed to provide the skills and certification the local workforce needs to find and improve career opportunities in this exciting labor market.
