Fast-Track Machining Class begins Aug. 19 at Randolph Community College

Randolph County residents who are looking for employment have the opportunity to sign up for a fast-track Machining class through Randolph Community College’s Corporate and Continuing Education division that could make them eligible for jobs within the Triad’s aerospace industry after just 16 weeks of training. The class is part of a consortium effort with surrounding community colleges and a group of employers in the aerospace industry, according to Garret Parker, department head for RCC’s Computer-Integrated Machining associate degree program.
          
The 394-hour class is broken down into two 8-week sessions and will begin Monday, Aug. 19. For the first 8 weeks, the students will attend class on the following schedule: Monday, 9-2; Tuesday, 9-4; Wednesday, 9-4; Thursday, 12-4. The schedule for the second 8 weeks: Monday, 9-4; Tuesday, 9-5; Wednesday 9-5; Thursday, 12-5; and Friday, 9-3. The class will be taught in RCC’s new Continuing Education and Industrial Center. The cost for the course is $180.

For more information on this class, visit http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2013/2013-07-23.php.

Randolph Community College Welding Students Fabricate Hay Feeders for N.C. Zoo Elephants

Randolph Community College’s Welding Technology program housed at the College’s Archdale Center and the N.C. Zoo may seem miles apart—24.2 miles to be exact. But the RCC Welding students and the Zoo closed that gap recently with a collaborative project that resulted in a better feeding situation for the Zoo’s elephants.
           
RCC Welding instructor Allan Bechel said Zoo officials initially approached RCC Welding Department Head David Holcomb about RCC students taking on the project, and the Zoo provided the supplies. The problem: when zoo elephants consumed hay from the ground, a good bit of sand got swept up with the food. The solution: a feeder that would keep hay off the ground.

For more on this story, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2013/2013-07-20.php.

Randolph Community College Trustees Give Distinguished Service Award to Wanda Brown

Wanda C. Brown, who recently retired from Randolph Community College as executive assistant to the president and Board of Trustees, was the recipient of the RCC Board of Trustees 2013 Distinguished Service Award, presented at a special dinner before the Board’s July 18 annual meeting on the Asheboro Campus.
           
Brown was in attendance to accept the award, along with her husband, Wade; her daughter, Donna, and son-in-law, Eric Hill; grandsons, Ryan and Ross; close friends, Lanson and Rebecca Cox and Leverette and Brenda Strider; and friend and former co-worker, Marie Miller. Trustee Emeriti Martha Johnson and Jack Lail, both former DSA recipients, were also present for the ceremony.

For more on this story, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2013/2013-07-19.php.

Randolph Community College Obtains Robotics Training Certification

Randolph Community College and Electrical Systems Technology instructor Tom Jones recently met the requirements for the FANUC Certified Education Robot Training program. FANUC Robotics is the world leader in industrial robots and factory automation programs. With FANUC’s educational robots, students can learn to utilize the latest automation technology while applying science, technology, engineering, and math.
           
“Robotics is how American industry is going to compete in the world market,” said Jones of the importance of this new training. “Folks are going to have to learn to be robotics technicians.” Jones said that industrial robots can be used for material handling like palletizing, packing, and sorting; light assembly; welding; painting; and some surgical procedures. It is estimated that there are over 100 industrial robots in use in Randolph County’s manufacturing industries. To earn the certification, Jones participated in over 90 hours of instruction through FANUC, including developing PowerPoint and video lesson plans on teaching robotics.

For more on this story, go tohttp://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2013/2013-07-11.php.

Three Randolph Community College Students Win Taxidermy Ribbons

Three Randolph Community College taxidermy students won awards at the Surry Taxidermy Mini-Course, Competition & Trade Show at Surry Community College in Dobson recently.
           
Crystal Joyce of Seagrove won People’s Choice Best of Show and 1st Place for her “squirrel laying down” and a 2nd Place ribbon for her “banjo squirrel.” Tommy Childress of Thomasville won a 2nd Place ribbon for his red fox. Both Joyce and Childress competed in the Amateur Division.
           
Mason Siers of Staley won two 3rd Place ribbons in the Professional Division, one for a mink and the other for a raccoon.
           
For more information, go to http://www.randolph.edu/newevents/2013/2013-07-03.php.

Automotive Open House Set for July 18 at Randolph Community College’s Richard Petty Education Center

Randolph Community College’s Automotive Systems Technology and Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology programs will host an Open House from 5 -9 p.m. on Thursday, July 18, at the Richard Petty Education Center on the Asheboro Campus.
            
The event will feature tours, demonstrations, automotive vendors, and free refreshments. “We are inviting new students, potential students, and the public,” said Dan Moore, department head for Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology. RCC personnel will be on hand to help interested students complete enrollment applications.
           
The 20,000-square-foot Richard Petty Education Center features energy efficient operating systems, a computer lab, and advanced technology for both programs such as a downdraft paint booth and Nederman Exhaust Rails. Classrooms are equipped with electronic data projectors and Smart Boards. The building is decorated with an automotive theme and includes Richard Petty racing memorabilia.
           
RCC’s Automotive Systems Technology program prepares individuals for employment as automotive service technicians and includes tracks in Alternative Transportation Technology and Automotive Light-Duty Diesel Technology. Students can earn an associate in applied science degree, diploma, or certificate. Classes are offered day and evening.
           
The Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology program prepares graduates to be qualified technicians to perform quality repairs and proper refinishing techniques on automobile bodies and to diagnose and repair mechanical and electrical systems. It also offers associate in applied science degree, diploma, and certificate options, with classes offered day and evening.
           
The Richard Petty Education Center is located at 704 Industrial Park Avenue in Asheboro.