Catawba Valley Community College and Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) today held a ribbon-cutting to formally open the new Corning Fiber Optic Training Center, a first-of-its-kind broadband training facility in CVCC’s Corporate Development Center.

In this new center and classroom space, trainers from Corning will provide hands-on education in the skills needed to design, engineer, install, and manage high-speed fiber broadband networks. Located at 973 Locust Street in Newton, N.C., the new space represents a significant opportunity to develop the future broadband workforce. It also aligns with CVCC’s mission to transform the communities of our region and our state by providing exceptional learning experiences, premier workforce development, and engaging personal enrichment.

“Through targeted education and affordable workforce training, CVCC is making it possible for individuals from all backgrounds to obtain the skills necessary for high-demand jobs,” stated Dr. Garrett D. Hinshaw, President, Catawba Valley Community College. “This new collaboration between CVCC and Corning proves that when education and business work hand-in-hand, we can create pathways to prosperity for our entire region.”

The telecommunications industry stands at a moment of tremendous opportunity driven by the urgent need to connect the unconnected, yet a gap remains in the availability of a skilled workforce to deploy and maintain these networks. Corning and CVCC are taking proactive steps to grow the skilled workforce to meet this demand. This joint initiative between CVCC and Corning demonstrates the power of collaboration between educational institutions and businesses to develop a skilled workforce by supporting growth of the talent pipeline of the Hickory Metro service area. This significant event also underscores both Corning’s dedication to addressing the urgent need for highly trained technicians in emerging broadband networks and CVCC’s dedication to affordable training which can lead to competitive employment and family-sustaining wages.

“Helping to shape the future of the telecom industry through the development of a skilled workforce is a key priority for Corning,” stated Mike Bell, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Corning Optical Communications. “Our collaboration with CVCC on this new training center spotlights our commitment to this mission. We’re eager to leverage this unique opportunity to provide hands-on education, supporting growth in the Hickory Metro area’s talent pipeline, and enhancing the capabilities of the forthcoming broadband workforce. Through initiatives like this, we strive to ensure the industry is ready to meet the growing demand for fiber broadband as public and private funding become available to connect the unconnected.”

For more information about broadband network classes offered in the Corning Fiber Optic Training Center or any other classes offered at the CVCC Corporate Development Center, please contact Mr. Gary Muller at 828-327-7000, ext. 4672.