Press Release
U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $394,500 to Bolster Workforce Training in Western North Carolina
Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
April 7, 2017
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $394,500 grant to Mayland Community College (MCC) of Spruce Pine, North Carolina, for the renovation and expansion of an existing facility that will allow the American Welding Society (AWS) to provide advance welding certification to students. According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to help train 50 students a year.
“EDA investments help to ensure that the training of American workers is not overlooked,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Regional Affairs Dennis Alvord. “This EDA investment will allow MCC to train additional welding students to support the needs of the region’s business community.”
The facility will provide high-level welding training to support existing industry expansion. The increased space will allow for more classes to be offered, allowing MCC to expand its program to offer a 2-year degree program in welding that provides skills and competencies needed by regional employers.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.