Franklin County residents looking to jump-start a career in manufacturing can get the job training they need at half the cost due to a grant from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission.
Young people, job seekers, and dislocated workers living in the tobacco region can apply for Workforce Financial Aid to enroll in one of Virginia Western Community College’s non-credit manufacturing training programs. These short-term programs prepare students for entry-level positions with regional manufacturers in just three months or less. The Tobacco Commission grant will cover 50 percent of tuition, and prospective students may qualify for additional funding depending on their individual needs.
The next qualifying program is Basic Manufacturing Skills starting July 25, where students can earn a Manufacturing Technician Level 1 (MT1) credential in just 10 weeks. With this credential, individuals starting in the field can earn $12-13 per hour. However, experienced machinists and industrial maintenance technicians can make over $50,000 per year in our region according to the recruiting website, Glassdoor.
Franklin County residents include individuals living in Boones Mill, Rocky Mount, Ferrum, Henry Fork, North Shore, Penhook, Union Hall, Westlake Corner, Callaway, Glade Hill, Hale’s Ford, Redwood, Snow Creek and Wirtz.
WHAT: Basic Manufacturing Skills Training Program
WHEN: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 5:30-9:30 p.m., July 25 – September 27, 2018
WHERE: Goodwill Jobs Campus, 2502 Melrose Avenue, NW, Roanoke
COST: Full tuition is $2,448. Franklin County students can receive Tobacco Commission funding for 50 percent of tuition, bringing the cost down to $1,224. Students may also qualify for additional funding assistance.
QUESTIONS? Contact Amanda Decker at 540-857-6279 or careernavigators@virginiawestern.edu
