This fall, Sampson Community College will launch four new programs. The four programs are Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology (HVAC), Construction Management, Electrical Systems Technology, and Public Safety Administration. Leaders and instructors at SCC have been coordinating for months to establish the programs.
Graduates of each program will receive an Associates of Applied Science. Certificate and diploma options are offered for each program as well. Director of the Applied Technical Programs Division, Barney Grady, believes these programs will appeal to high school students and “non-traditional” college-aged students looking to advance or take the next step in their careers.
Many of these job areas are in desperate need across the state. Wanda Capps, Vice President of Academic Affairs says this is why the North Carolina Community College System put the applications for these programs on a “fast track.”
Still, for Grady, Capps, and others at the college, bringing these new programs to SCC has been a long road. Some programs have been in high demand for students, but also for industry leaders in the area.
Bringing the programs to SCC assists the students and the community. Capps stated, “The new programs of electrical, HVAC and construction management are a perfect fit not only for the current programs we already have but for the community of Sampson County.”
Because of the great need in these areas, Grady says companies often train employees from the ground up due to an immediate demand for workers. Graduates will develop the necessary skills to work with residential, industrial, and commercial settings. This will automatically prepare them for careers in these areas where workers are in high demand.
Each program is accessible for all students—high schoolers choosing the College and Career Promise Pathway or working professionals looking to attend online or part-time. Several types of course options will be available, making these programs ideal for any student.
Dustin Hatcher, Construction Systems Technology Instructor, says that bringing the Construction Management program means bringing better career options for the students at SCC.
Hatcher stated, “With this degree, students will qualify for a broad array of careers in commercial and residential construction industries. Graduated students could also become hands-on skilled trades workers in many subcontractor fields like carpentry, concrete, siding, and roofing. We hope to continue partnering with commercial and residential contractors to better this program and help provide new employees to this industry for the future.”
Students pursuing the Public Safety Administration degree could look forward to careers in areas of public safety and service, including but not limited to law enforcement, government agencies, and more. This program allows students to gain a deeper understanding of the managerial and professional side of public safety and governmental organizations.
Graduates of the Basic Law Enforcement Training program are already ahead of the curve in the new Public Safety Administration program, as they may transfer into the program with 20 credit hours. This option would leave only three semesters remaining to graduate from the Public Safety Administration program with an Applied Associate in Science degree.
Grady says bringing each program to SCC is something to look forward to this fall. Grady noted, “We have received many requests from both the industry and people seeking training in these areas to help satisfy the needs in our community. We have been successful in adding the programs, and with securing trained faculty to instruct our future students.”
Despite these programs beginning in the fall, interested students can begin general education coursework in the summer. Summer registration for currently enrolled students begins on April 6th and lasts until April 24th. New students can begin enrollment on May 13th and 14th.
Anyone interested in pursuing these programs can contact division director, Barney Grady by email at bgrady@sampsoncc.edu, or by telephone at (910) 900-4118.
About Sampson Community College: Sampson Community College is a member of the North Carolina Community College System, located in Clinton, NC in Sampson County. The college offers many programs to include two-year degrees, college transfer, continuing education, and workforce development options and early college education.
