Stanly Community College (SCC) is set to unveil its new Trades Facility, a $12 million investment aimed at bolstering technical education and workforce development in the region. The 31,600-square-foot facility, now complete and operational, will host a grand opening celebration on Thursday, inviting the public to explore its state-of-the-art labs, equipment, and classrooms. This event marks a significant milestone in the college’s commitment to preparing students for high-demand careers in skilled trades, including advanced manufacturing, construction, and engineering technology.
The dedication event, scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. at the facility behind the Morton-Moffitt Cosmetology Center on the Albemarle campus, offers visitors a unique opportunity to tour the new space, meet instructors, and learn about SCC’s innovative programs. Personalized tours can also be arranged by visiting stanly.edu, providing an in-depth look at the cutting-edge facilities designed to promote success in various trades.
SCC President John Enamait highlighted the facility’s impact during a recent Stanly County Economic Development Commission meeting, noting that local businesses are already expressing interest. “I must say to this group and to the commissioners, that was a vision realized — seeing not just students learning, but a potential employer in the facility,” Enamait said. “Hopefully, the commissioners believe that’s a worthwhile investment — not just for now, but for the future, and not just for the community college but for the county itself. It really was a full-circle morning, so many thanks to the commissioners and Stanly County Manager Andy Lucas for the support of that facility.”
The Trades Facility serves as a hub for hands-on learning, offering expanded space for programs such as air conditioning, heating and refrigeration technology, computer-integrated machining, heavy equipment operations, electronics engineering technology, mechatronics engineering technology, welding technology, and electrical lineworker training. In addition to enhancing existing offerings, SCC has launched new programs in plumbing, electrical systems technology, and building construction technology to meet the growing demand for skilled trade workers across the region.
The SCC Foundation is also offering naming opportunities for 19 areas within the facility, with donation levels ranging from $2,500 to $75,000. Four of those spaces have already been purchased. Anyone interested in pledging a donation can contact Nicole Williams, foundation executive director, at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) or 704-991-0281.
This investment in technical education and workforce development is poised to shape the future of the construction industry, fostering a skilled workforce that can meet the demands of a rapidly evolving sector. As the construction industry continues to embrace sustainability and technological innovation, facilities like SCC’s Trades Facility play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of professionals to build a greener, more resilient future.