SALISBURY, N.C. – Rowan-Cabarrus Community College announces the launch of its fourth cohort of the Industrial Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship program, which began in Fall 2025. This hands-on, four-year program continues to grow through strategic partnerships with local industry leaders.
“Our collaboration with local employers is essential to the success of this program,” said Rowan-Cabarrus President Dr. Carol S. Spalding. “Their support ensures that students gain the skills industry demands. These partnerships strengthen our community and create lasting opportunity.”
Originally launched in 2018, the Multicraft Industrial Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship program is designed to meet manufacturers’ evolving workforce needs by equipping employees with broad, in-demand technical skills. Apprentices receive extensive training in electrical, mechanical, machining, programmable logic controls, welding and fabrication, preparing them to become certified maintenance technicians and state and federally recognized journeymen.
Participants in the program complete a minimum of 144 hours of classroom instruction and 2,000 hours of on-the-job training each year. Rowan-Cabarrus serves as the registered apprenticeship sponsor, managing the administrative requirements, coordinating instruction and verifying job site training.
“We are excited to welcome new partners into our growing apprenticeship program,” said Apprenticeship Director and Account Manager in Business Services at Rowan-Cabarrus Kerry Motley. “These companies are investing in the future of their workforce, and we’re honored to support them with high-quality training and program management.”
Martin Marietta, a returning partner, has witnessed the program’s value firsthand. “We have been impressed with the growth our apprentices have experienced,” said Shop Manager at Martin Marietta of Salisbury Austin Shrewsbury. “The training helps them become more independent and capable of handling complex tasks in a manufacturing environment.”
The College continues to expand its efforts supporting economic development by aligning academic programs with industry needs. New partners, including Corning, Freshouse, and Saertex, have recently joined this initiative to strengthen workforce pipelines across the region in response to industry demand.
“Apprenticeship programs play a critical role in strengthening our local economy,” said Rowan-Cabarrus Vice President of Workforce and Technology Dr. Zack Hubbard. “Employers gain access to a highly skilled workforce while employees build meaningful careers through structured training and real-world experience.”