Craven Community College unveils new programs to 'meet the needs' of a growing workforce

Craven Community College will introduce new work programs in high-demand fields this fall semester for those seeking a career in computer technology.

The two programs, Cybersecurity Coding and Computer-Aided Drafting Solidworks, were created with the goal to aid in Craven County's growing job market, according to a Craven CC news release.

More: High job vacancies and an aging population could threaten Craven County's labor force

These programs will specifically benefit "analytically minded" students who have an interest in the technical side of computers, the release states.

Matthew Berg, associate dean of career programs, said the Cybersecurity Coding Program was created after a recommendation by the Information Technology Advisory Committee.

"The committee, consisting of local professionals in the field, recognized the need for this program and worked with faculty to make it a reality," he said. "In today’s ever-changing technological environment, it is important for businesses to stay at the forefront of constant security threats."

Berg said those who graduate from the Cybersecurity Coding Program will have the skills to help local business partners maintain vital information and continue to operate. Students will have the opportunity to obtain an associate's degree, diploma or certificate through the program.

Program participants will explore specific technical paths that help prevent data breaches and cyber attacks with an emphasis on security concepts, programming language and ethical hacking, according to the release. Students will also be able to earn industry certifications such as AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, Linux+, Security+ and Python Application Development.

Graduates of the Cybersecurity Coding Program could have careers as a cybersecurity programmer, forensic computer analyst and information security analyst to name a few.

According to the release, a Coding Certificate Program will also be available to students who have an interest in learning the basics of programming language and web, programming and database foundations.

The CAD Solidworks certificate program was created for students who have an "eye for detail" and enjoy using design programs, the release states. The program will offer technical skills, advanced software, hardware knowledge of a CAD system and cover how to utilize advanced functions and features to solve complex modeling challenges, according to the release.

Those who graduate from the Computer Aided-Drafting program could have a career in advanced manufacturing plants, architectural firms, aviation/engineering facilities, construction projects and drafting and design businesses.

"According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of industrial design is expected to grow 6% through 2030, while information security is supposed to skyrocket 33%,"  states Craven CC in a news release.

Registration for the fall semester is now until Aug. 18. For more information, contact Ricky Meadows, Dean of Career Programs, at 252-638-4550 or meadowsr@cravencc.edu.

Reporter Symone Graham can be reached by email at sgraham@gannett.com. Have a story tip or idea? Send it her way. 

This article originally appeared on Sun Journal: Craven Community College to launch new job programs this fall