Continuing Education and Workforce Development

The Continuing Education and Workforce Development Division of Pitt Community College provides workforce development training and personal enrichment courses for adults from the community, business, and industry. We strive to offer a diverse range of programs and courses to meet the particular needs and interests of all citizens of Pitt County.

Our programming provides opportunities to upgrade occupational skills and to acquire new skills. Classes are on-campus and at various off-campus facilities such as public schools, community buildings, churches, civic centers, industrial plants, and fire stations. Courses are open to all adults 18 years of age or older. However, in some cases, students must meet specific requirements.

Philosophy

The Continuing Education and Workforce Development Division is committed to enhancing the quality of life and education to the citizens of Pitt County and support a global workforce as well as the local community.

Mission

The mission of the Continuing Education and Workforce Development Division is to educate and empower people for success in life and a global workforce through industry, small business, occupational, and community service training.

All associates accomplish the mission by way of a unified and committed effort:

• to become the leading providers of workforce development training
• to use state-of-the-art technology to prepare individuals for employment
• to partner with other organizations to promote economic development
• to proactively respond to internal and external customer needs.

Schedule of Courses

The Continuing Education and Workforce Development Division publishes a schedule of courses each semester and distributes it throughout Greenville and surrounding areas. Class offerings depend upon demonstration of sufficient interest and availability of required facilities and qualified instructors. Various media is used such as newspapers, radio, television, and the Pitt Community College website also to announce course offerings.

Classes may be scheduled for mornings, afternoons, evenings, or weekends according to the needs of the participants. The College reserves the right to change, add, delete, or withdraw courses or program offerings from the schedule at any time. The Division encourages interested citizens to contact the Division Directors concerning particular areas of interest or the registration desk at (252) 493-7388.

Course Credit

Generally, continuing education courses offered in the Continuing Education and Workforce Development Division are non-credit. CEU’s (Continuing Education Units) are awarded for certain training programs, courses, and seminars. Ten contact hours of class earn one CEU. Written acknowledgment of course completion or participation is available to individuals upon written request. Certificates are available upon completion of a single course and/or a cluster of courses.

Registration and Attendance

Registration occurs in several ways - walk-in, mail-in, fax, or online for some designated courses. All courses require preregistration indicated in course publicity. Interested students are encouraged to seek information about a particular course via the telephone or by visiting the college website. A minimum number of participants may be required before a class can be offered or continued. Pitt Community College has the right to place students in appropriate levels of training as deemed necessary by the College. For further information, call (252) 493-7388.

Fees

The basic registration fee charged for a Continuing Education and Workforce Development Division continuing education course is the occupational extension fee established by the North Carolina General Assembly. Deviation from the basic registration fee may be mandated by state statute for individuals and/or groups by the source of funding and self-supported course requirements. Only American currency is acceptable for payment of tuition, fees, and other expenses.

PCC may charge specific fees, such as lab fees, for items required in a course in addition to normal supplies and materials provided by the College. There is a $5.00 technology fee for Occupational Extension Continuing Education classes.

Insurance cost is a specific fee required of Continuing Education and Workforce Development Division students in identified courses requiring shop, physical exercises, and clinical experiences. The exception to the requirement would be students identified by their employers with insurance or worker’s compensation. Insurance participation is optional for other students. The insurance provider sets the structure annually. Continuing Education and Workforce Development Division students may participate in College student activities by paying an activity fee based upon the number of hours enrolled in a given semester.

Refund Policy

The Office of Continuing Education and Workforce Development Division may refund the registration fee only for courses identified as “Occupational Extension.” The registration fee refund is possible under the following circumstances:

1. A student who officially withdraws in person in the Office of Continuing Education and Workforce Development Division prior to the first class meeting or if the class fails to “make” due to insufficient enrollment is eligible for a 100% refund.
2. A student who officially withdraws in person at the Office of Continuing Education and Workforce Development Division or with class instructor prior to or on the official 10% point of the class is eligible for a 75% refund. The student must complete a Continuing Education Drop/Refund Request form.
3. No consideration of requests for refunds will occur after the 10% point.

All Continuing Education tuition refunds will be mailed.

To determine eligibility for a refund, the student may contact the Office of Continuing Education and Workforce Development Division. The North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges set the refund policy, which is subject to change without notice.

Course Descriptions

Course descriptions are available upon request by calling or visiting the Continuing Education and Workforce Development Division or visiting the college website. Individuals who desire counseling or other special assistance may contact the Continuing Education and Workforce Development Division at (252) 493-7388.

Books and Supplies

Many Continuing Education and Workforce Development Division continuing education courses require textbooks and special supplies. When a textbook is required, students receive notification through course publicity and/or at the first class meeting. Students are responsible for purchasing their texts and class supplies.

Business and Industry Services

Jerry Jones - jerjones@email.pittcc.edu

The primary purpose of the Business and Industry Services area is to develop and deliver customized training that will enhance the growth potential of companies located in Pitt County while providing the workforce with skills essential to successful employment.

All of these programs and services relate directly to new and/or sustained economic growth. Liaison with state, regional, and local agencies associated with economic development is an important responsibility of the Continuing Education and Workforce Development Division.

Classes are available to meet specific needs such as training individuals for employment for new industries locating in the area, training new employees for specific industry expansion programs, and training existing skilled or semi-skilled workers in manufacturing to use new technology. These classes may be held at the industrial site, on-campus, or at other convenient locations.

Community Services

The Community Service Programs are designed to provide courses, seminars, and activities that contribute to the community’s overall cultural, civic, and intellectual growth and to assist adults in the development of new skills or in upgrading existing ones in a vocational, academic, and practical skills areas.

The Community Service Program provides non-credit courses, which enables adults to develop knowledge and skills in areas of general interest to the community. The Division will develop courses and activities to meet specific needs and interests of its adult participants. The following are examples of general interest courses:

Art: Painting, Drawing, Sketching
Basic Computer Skills
Basic Pistol Shooting/Concealed Carry
Conversational Spanish
Creative Writing
Fitness Programs
Health and Wellness
Investments and Securities
Memoir Writing
Motorcycle Safety courses
Youth Summer Programs

Lisa Webb, Coordinator for Community Development, may be contacted to inquire about Community Service Programs at (252) 493-7317 or at lwebb@email.pittcc.edu

Customized Training Program (CTP)

This program is designed to meet the needs of the businesses and industries of Pitt County that are installing new technology, making sufficient capital investment, and/or adding new jobs and their employees need training in key areas of the organization. This is a grant program approved by the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS). The Industrial Instructor/Coordinator can be contacted to inquire about this program, (252) 493-7584.

General Occupational Extension

Licensure/Certification
The Licensure/Certification Program provides training for occupations that require prerequisites to employment or as a continuing requirement to maintain currency in an occupational area.

The Continuing Education and Workforce Development Division offers specific training prescribed by a licensure or certification agency. The cooperating agency or professional group issues the initial certification or recurring documentation. Certification courses include, but are not limited to Notary Public Education, NC Auto Safety Inspection, and NC Onboard Diagnostic Emissions Inspection Training, EMT (Basic, Intermediate and Paramedic), Detention Officer, and Telecommunicator.

Safety Training (OSHA)
The Division works closely with the North Carolina Department of Labor to provide required OSHA compliance and safety training. It is possible to tailor this training to a specific organizational need and offered at the requestor’s site. Smaller organizations may choose to send employees to Safety Institutes held periodically on the main campus.

Health Care Programs

Sidette Boyce-Brown - sboyce@email.pittcc.edu

Nurse Aide Programs
Pitt Community College offers Nurse Aide I and Nurse Aide II classes. Nurse Aide I and Nurse Aide II classes are offered several times a day and on the weekend each semester.

The Nurse Aide I is a 144-hour course that prepares graduates to provide personal care and perform basic nursing skills. It includes 96 hours of classroom/lab and 48 hours of clinical learning experience. After successful completion of this program and passing State Testing, the student is certified and listed with the NC Department of Health and Human Services. This course is often a pre-requisite for other Healthcare Programs under Curriculum degrees.

The Nurse Aide II is a 160-hour course that prepares graduates to perform advanced procedures with job placement usually at the hospital level. It includes 80 hours of classroom/lab and 80 hours of clinical learning experience. The student must be a high school graduate or have high school equivalency (GED®) credentials, as well as have a current Nurse Aide I Certification with the NC Department of Health and Human Services to take the NA II course. After successful completion of this program, the student is certified and listed with the NC Board of Nursing, Raleigh, NC.

Medication Aide
The Medication Aide is 24-hour course for non-licensed personnel to become prepared to administer medications to patients orally, topically and by instillation routes. Medication Aide students are taught to perform a narrowly defined set of tasks; right person, right drug, right time, right dosage right route, and right documentation, with employment in the long-term health facility. Classes are available each semester.

Nurse Aide II Competency Testing
This course is designed to provide the student an opportunity to demonstrate competency skills required by the NC Board of Nursing to practice as a NA II. Students who have been off the NA II registry 24 months or less are eligible to take this test. The student must be active on the NA I registry and have been listed on the NA II registry. Students successfully demonstrating all required skill will be referred to the Board of Nursing for re-listing on the NA II registry.

12 Lead EKG Monitor Technician
The EKG Monitor Tech is a 128-hour course that teaches the student anatomy and physiology of the heart, principles of EKG, dysrhythmia recognition of sinus, junctional/atrial rhythms, heart blocks and bundle branches and ventricular ectopy rhythms. The student will become proficient in reading and interpreting EKG’s. Upon successful completion of a written exam and practical skills through the ASPT, the student receives certification as an EKG Monitor Technician. This certification qualifies the student for employment with the cardiac or other unit in the hospital setting.

CPR Instructor Course
The CPR Instructor’s course is a 16-hr BLS Instructor Essentials Course taught in a blended learning format. AHA BLS Instructor candidates must complete the online portion, followed by the hands-on session conducted by BLS Training Center Faculty. This course teaches candidates to instruct single-rescuer and team basic life support skills for application in both pre-hospital and infacility environments, with a focus on high-quality CPR and team dynamics as well as lay-rescuer CPR, AED use and First Aid. Pre-requisites for this course include: Current certification in BLS CPR and HeartSaver First Aid, Online Instructor Essentials Course Completion Certificate, an approved TC Alignment, and an instructor information sheet. Upon successful completion, the instructor candidate receives a CPR Instructor’s Certificate. All candidates must then be monitored teaching their first class within 6 months of completing the course in order to receive their BLS Instructor card.

CPR
CPR Health Care Provider (BLS) provides training to provide basic life support (rescue breathing, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the relief of choking for adult, infant and children). Students learn one-man and two-man rescuer CPR and the use of barrier devices. Defibrillator training is included in this course. Re-certification is required every 2 years. CPR Heart saver teaches Basic Adult CPR and teaches warning signs of heart attack and stroke, and relief of choking for adult victims. Recertification is required every 2 years. Class size is limited.

Pharmacy Technician Training
The Pharmacy Technician Training course is a 140-hour course. The course provides the student with basic knowledge and skills required to work as a pharmacy technician under the supervision of a pharmacist in a pharmacy. This course includes basic math, compounding, drug calculations, drug classifications, drug distributions, basic terminology and an overview for the PTCB certification exam.

At the end of the course, the student will be prepared to sit for the PTCB certification exam. Pharmacy technicians who are certified obtain employment in traditional as well as innovative practice models across the nation. Employing CPhTs allows pharmacies to expand services and enhance patient care. It allows pharmacists more time to spend with patients providing drug information, answering questions and promoting compliance with medication regimens. Certification provides the public and pharmacists with greater confidence in their pharmacies.

Phlebotomy Technician (National Certification)
Phlebotomy Technician is a 232-hour course that prepares the student to draw blood specimens from patients for the purpose of testing and analyzing blood. A phlebotomist’s job includes maintenance of equipment used in obtaining blood specimen; the use of appropriate communication skills when working with patients; the selection of venipuncture sites; the care of blood specimen; and the entry of the testing process into the computer, as well as clerical duties associated with record keeping of the blood tests. The course consists of theory and clinical experiences in performing blood collections. The student must be a high school graduate or have a high school equivalency (GED®) credential.

Human Resources Development

Human Resources Development (HRD) educates and trains people for success in the workplace. The Human Resources Development Program provides employability skills training for unemployed and underemployed adults. The HRD Program addresses each of the six core HRD components:

• Assessment of an individual’s assets and limitations
• Development of positive self-concept
• Development of employability skills
• Development of communication skills
• Development of problem-solving skills
• Awareness of the impact of information technology in the workplace (basic computer skills)

These six components incorporate into the different classes or labs that may be self-directed, self-paced, and structured. The Human Resources Development Program helps participants transition into the community college, retain employment and advance in a career by building employability skills and setting career goals.

Karen Davis, Coordinator for HRD may be contacted at (252) 493-7551 or kdavis@email.pittcc.edu

National Career Readiness Certificate

We offer the following to aid in skill enhancement for the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC):

NCRC Open Lab - Work with an instructor during lab hours and gain access to the CareerReady 101 (CR101) software tool. An online study program specifically designed based upon WorkKeys and NCRC system. Accessible from anywhere students have internet access; NCRC 101 meets individuals at their current skill level to aid in skill enhancement.

Ann Tess, NCRC Administrative Support, can be contacted at (252) 493-7592 or atess@email.pittcc.edu

Occupational Training

One of the major goals of Pitt Community College is to provide opportunities for citizens to prepare for new occupations or to upgrade their knowledge and skills in their current employment. PCC provides these opportunities through single courses or a series of courses designed for a specific occupation.

The design of these courses is for the express purpose of training an individual for employment, upgrading the skills of persons presently employed, and re-training others for new employment. They are available to people in all technical or vocational occupations and vary in length according to the complexity of the skill and the need of the employee or employer. Most occupational courses are developed and taught on request from a group or an employer. Courses are generally available at a time and place convenient to the employee and/or employer.

The following are examples of general occupational courses:

Auto Safety
Blueprint Reading
CPR - Healthcare Provider (BLS)
CPR - Heart Saver
CPR Instructor Training
Computer Software Training
Construction Trades
EKG Monitor Technician (12 Lead EKG)
HVAC: CE Credit Courses
Industrial Safety
Medication Aide
Nurse Aide II Competency Testing
Nursing Assistant - Level I & II
Nursing Assistant Refresher
OBD Emissions
Pharmacy Technician Training
Phlebotomy National Certification
Respiratory Care Practitioner Refresher Course
Spanish: Beginning Conversation Level I & II
Telecommunicator

Public Safety Instruction

Law Enforcement, Detention and Security Officer Training
Thomas Forrest - tforrest@email.pittcc.edu

Several short courses and seminars are available to upgrade and train law enforcement and correctional officers. Examples include Mandatory In-Service Training; Radar; Instructor School; Criminal Investigation; Detention Officer Certification Training; Taser; Physical Fitness; Defensive Tactics; Leadership; and Firearms. The College also offers a two-year associate degree in Criminal Justice and a certificate in the Basic Law Enforcement Training Program (BLET).

Emergency Medical Services Training
Mekenzie Newkirk, Director - lnewkirk@email.pittcc.edu

The Emergency Medical Services training program offers initial EMT certification preparation for individuals who seek to enter the prehospital healthcare field as basic level providers. The training includes basic anatomy and physiology, as well as recognition of illnesses and injuries with clinically appropriate basic life support interventions. Students must successfully complete the American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR course as an included element of the training. Additionally, the department offers both online and traditional classroom Continuing Education for EMS professionals in local and regional EMS Systems that is compliant with the 2016 National Continued Competency Requirement model. We also offer locally required in-service training for EMS personnel based on the findings and data reviewed by the System Quality Management Committee.

A list of course offerings is located at this website:

https://pittcc.edu/community/continuing-education/

Pitt Community College also offers an AAS (Associates in Applied Science) degree through the Health Care Paramedic Curriculum program in Emergency Medical Science.

Interested parties should contact: Director Leslie Craig Carico by phone or email: 252-493-7713 or ccarico@email.pittcc.edu

Emergency Management Training
Mekenzie Newkirk, Director - lnewkirk@email.pittcc.edu

The Emergency Management (EM) Program is a multidisciplinary program that provides training and educational opportunities to all public safety providers as well as public and private sector personnel. The EM Program at Pitt Community College works in conjunction with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety-Emergency Management Division to deliver a wide array of courses to support individual certification in North Carolina as Associate or Executive level Emergency Management Coordinators. On a national level, the EM Program assists public safety and government agencies in maintaining their NIMS /ICS compliance to qualify for federal funding and grants. At the state level, EM Program delivers training in four key areas: preparedness, mitigation, response and recover. On a local level, the EM Program can assist any group - public or private, including assisting local churches, civic groups and/or communities in creating capabilities and plans that ensure their respective resiliency during times of disaster.

For a listing of locally available EM courses at PCC, please visit this website: https://pittcc.edu/community/continuing-education/emergency-management-training/

For a listing of state and regional EM courses and training opportunities, visit the website: https://terms.ncem.org/TRS/courseSearch.do

Fire/Rescue Training
Mekenzie Newkirk, Director - lnewkirk@email.pittcc.edu

The Fire and Rescue Training Program provides emergency service personnel an opportunity to gain cognitive knowledge psychomotor skills in modem firefighting techniques and technical rescue through a variety of learning experiences. These courses are available at local fire departments for volunteer and career firefighters who train as an organized group utilizing equipment and methods they would ordinarily use in preventing and suppressing fire.

Subjects include arson detection, compressed gas emergencies, fire apparatus practices, hazardous materials recognition and response, introduction to firefighting, ladder practices, hose practices, personal protective equipment, and firefighting procedures. Other specialty courses such as Home Safety, Fire Prevention, and Industrial Fire Brigade Training are also available. Some courses require the student to be at least 18 years of age.

Please refer to this website for a listing of the training schedule: https://pittcc.edu/community/continuing-education/fire-rescue-training/

Skilled Trades

In Continuing Education & Workforce Development, we work closely with our community partners to determine areas of need within our community. We have discovered that there is a growing demand right here in Pitt County for workers with knowledge in skilled trades. This means there are jobs available right now in the areas of Welding, Electrical Wiring, HVAC, Plumbing, Carpentry, and more. Companies are willing to hire individuals who show promise and are willing to learn.

Our specialty is short-term training so many of our classes run around 6-8 weeks long and are offered on evenings and/or Saturdays to accommodate busy schedules and those that have day jobs. Some classes we have are pre-scheduled, but others we will run based on the amount of people interested. Our goal is to be flexible and work with changing community needs.

The following are examples of general occupational courses:

• 16-Hr Electrical License Renewal
• 1911 Pistol, Accurizing and Tuning
• AR15/AR10/SR25 Rifle & Carbine: Build, Accurizing, and Tuning
• Basic Electrical Wiring - Level I and II
• Blueprint Reading for Welding
• Cabinetmaking Fundamentals
• CFC Refrigerant Certification
• Double Action Revolver Tips, Tuning and Repair
• Framing and Carpentry
• GMAW (MIG) Plate Welding
• GMAW (MIG) Plate Welding with Welding Blueprint Reading
• GTAW (TIG) Plate Welding
• HVAC DUCT Systems I
• HVAC Preventive Maintenance
• Introduction to Bricklaying (Masonry)
• Lead Renovation Repair & Painting Certification
• Machining for Gunsmithing
• Modern Semi-Automatic Handgun Repair, Tips & Tricks
• Plumbing Fundamentals
• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (STK)
• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (STK) and Blueprint Reading for Welding

Gail Nichols, Coordinator for Skilled Trades may be contacted at (252) 493-7625 or gnichols@email.pittcc.edu

Small Business Center

The Small Business Center of Pitt Community encourages entrepreneurship and add value to new and existing Pitt County Businesses by providing world class learning opportunities, one on-one counseling, and access to business reference materials. Learning opportunities are available in 2-3 hour free weekly seminars open to the public.

Sample seminar topics include the following:
Starting a Small Business
Financing Your Business
Successful Marketing Strategies
Building a Brand
Grant Writing
Doing Business with the Government
Hiring Smart
Business Bookkeeping

The counseling services provided by the Small Business Center are available at no cost to Pitt County residents by appointment only. All discussions are strictly confidential. We are committed to providing expert advice and referrals to help business owners improve their bottom lines and operating systems. The Small Business Center also maintains a business resource library that contains up-to-date reference materials, how-to manuals, and periodicals designed for you to peruse at your leisure in our self-directed learning center. This center is open to the public during normal operating hours. For seminar schedules, counseling appointments, or additional information call (252) 493-7298 or (252) 493-7541.

Workshops, Seminars, and Conferences

PCC plans and offers workshops, seminars, and conferences on a variety of topics in cooperation with civic groups, non-profit organizations, or by special requests from the citizens of Pitt County.

The workshops and seminars may carry CEU credit in the case of advance arrangements made with Pitt Community College (and if participants meet necessary requirements for receiving credit).

Self-Supporting Courses

Some courses are available as self-supporting courses. These are courses provided by PCC at the request of the community but for which the college receives no state budget. Course fees cover financing of these courses. Self-supporting courses are nontransferable and non-refundable.