Rockingham Community College details quarter-cent sales tax projects to expand workforce training

Dr. Sylvia Cox, executive director of Rockingham Community College, told the Rockingham County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 18 that quarter-cent sales tax proceeds have funded a new Center for Workforce Development and equipment intended to expand advanced manufacturing, welding, information technology and health-care training.

Cox said the college opened the workforce center nearly a year ago and used sales-tax funds to equip CNC and robotics labs, computer-integrated machining, mechatronics and a small-business/corporate training center. She said the college also enlarged its welding capacity, moving from 17 welding booths to 40 booths with multi-process capability so students can learn MIG, TIG and other processes in each station.

The presentation listed technology and safety investments funded by the quarter-cent tax: a Cisco Networking Academy course to support entry-level IT jobs; classroom HyFlex and Zoom-capable rooms to reach remote learners; security cameras to protect students and equipment; and clinical simulation upgrades for nursing, respiratory therapy and emergency medical services. Cox also asked for two virtual welders to accelerate training for students who first practice in simulation.

Cox described partnerships with Rockingham County Schools, the county's economic development office and regional colleges for program articulation and work-based learning. She said the college is launching a construction-trades program this fall and seeks a metal building to support initial projects with the goal of eventually building a house as part of the curriculum.

Commissioner Hall praised the program but cautioned against "project creep," stressing that the sales-tax pledge to fund workforce development must be honored. Cox said the college intends to keep spending focused on workforce programs, noted that the capital project manager position in the college budget is a recurring item, and pointed commissioners to a new QR code and logo that link to a public page showing quarter-cent sales tax projects.

Cox closed by asking the commission for continued collaboration, noting regional convenings and grant-funded teacher certification efforts that expand local capacity for advanced manufacturing and health-care instruction. No formal action or vote on new funding requests occurred during the meeting.