CCAM launches workforce program for soldiers, veterans

The Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing in Prince George County has launched a free program for veterans and soldiers transitioning into the civilian workforce.

The program prepares soldiers and veterans for as many as six National Institute for Metalworking (NIMs) certifications.

“Soldiers receive two-and-a-half years of training in approximately five months through a hybrid online and hands-on laboratory program,” Bruce Sobczak, CCAM’S workforce director, said in a statement.
The pilot program is located at Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC)’s Emporia Center. More than 15 Virginia manufacturing companies will interview the pilot program graduates when they earn their NIMs certifications in late August.

The venture is a collaboration between the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission, the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center, SVCC, the Crater Regional Workforce Investment Board, the Virginia Employment Commission, the Fort Lee Soldier for Life Program and 180 Skills, which provides online career and technical education.

Project partners plan to use the program as a model for other Virginia regions and nationally.  The group also plans to develop a second skills training curriculum in industrial maintenance.   

CCAM is an applied research center that aims to accelerate the transition of research innovation from the laboratory to commercial use.