Corporate Development Center

Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) offers on-site employee training tailored to meet specific business needs, schedules, and content requirements. Training areas include Continuous Improvement/Lean Manufacturing, ISO Quality Management Systems, Supervision/Management, Mechanical Maintenance, Employee Development and Soft Skills, and Safety. For more information, contact CVCC at (828) 327-7000, ext. 4294.

Catawba Valley Community College’s Advanced Manufacturing program offers customizable industrial training to help businesses maintain a competitive edge through awareness, education, and training. Options include public business classes, Six Sigma courses, and the Catawba Apprenticeship Network, which allows participants to earn while they learn. Training can be conducted at CVCC’s facilities or a predetermined location. For more information, contact the Workforce Development Innovation Center at 828-327-7000, ext. 4294.

Catawba Valley Community College’s Construction Careers Academy offers a pre-apprenticeship program for individuals aged 16 and older, combining classroom instruction with paid summer employment at local construction companies. Participants receive OSHA 10 Card Certification, CPR and First Aid Certification, an NCCER credential, employability skills training, and hands-on experience with hand and power tools. For more information or to register, contact 828.327.7000 x4354 or [email protected].

The Catawba Valley Furniture Academy (CVFA) is an industry-driven training program designed by regional furniture manufacturers to prepare students for high-demand, skilled positions in the furniture industry. Established in 2014, CVFA offers courses such as Furniture Fundamentals, Pattern Making, Manual and Automated Cutting, Sewing, and various levels of Upholstery. Students benefit from hands-on training in a simulated manufacturing facility and instruction from experienced local craftsmen. The academy is located at 973 Locust St, Newton, NC 28658. For more information, contact Sia Vang at [email protected] or call (828) 327-7000 ext. 4487.

Established in 2016, the Alexander Furniture Academy is an industry-driven training program designed by regional furniture manufacturers to prepare students for long-term careers as professional Sewing Operators or Upholstery Craftsmen. The 24-week program includes courses on manufacturing skills, measurements and math, teamwork and communication, and problem-solving. Graduates are highly desirable candidates for employment in many of the region’s furniture manufacturers. For more information, contact Eunice Mays at (828) 632-8221, ext. 331, or [email protected].

Catawba Valley Community College’s Business & Professional program offers training to help businesses maintain a competitive edge through education and awareness. Key focus areas include Supervisory, Management, and Executive Leadership classes for all leadership levels; Project Management courses aimed at professional certification under the Project Management Institute; and Human Resource Management designed for obtaining Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Certification. Additionally, CVCC partners with ed2go to provide online open enrollment programs for various in-demand occupations. For more information, contact For more information, contact CVCC at (828) 327-7000, ext. 4294.

Employability Lab
Need help creating a resume, cover letter, completing applications, interviewing, or basic computer & typing skills? Then this is the place for you!

NCRC Online
The National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) is a nationally-recognized, researchbased, portable credential that certifies essential skills needed for success in the workplace. It’s used by employers to gauge critical thinking competencies in the workplace. This online class gives students an opportunity to practice and up skill before taking the final exam.

Contact Tammy Buff at [email protected] for more information.

The SECU Bridge to Careers Scholarship Program at Catawba Valley Community College offers $500 scholarships to eligible students enrolling in short-term, career-focused training programs aimed at obtaining state-regulated or industry-recognized credentials leading to sustainable wage careers. To qualify, applicants must be U.S. citizens, North Carolina residents, at least 18 years old, and not affiliated with SECU or its foundation as directors, employees, or immediate family members. Additionally, candidates should be unemployed or underemployed, members of the NC National Guard, military veterans or their spouses, or part of an underserved population in a specific workforce area. Applicants must enroll in a course at Catawba Valley Community College that aligns with credentials listed on the NC Workforce Credentials list at either the Essential or Career level. Each student may receive up to two scholarships within the program year when enrolling in two eligible courses. Scholarship recipients are required to consent to the release of their name and image for publication by the NC Community College System office, Catawba Valley Community College and its foundation, and SECU and its foundation. For more information or to apply, contact (828) 327-7000, ext. 4294.

The Catawba Apprenticeship Network (CAN) at Catawba Valley Community College offers high school students the opportunity to earn while they learn, providing a full scholarship for a two-year Associate Degree while receiving a paycheck. Upon successful completion, apprentices are guaranteed employment based on satisfactory job performance. Interested students should speak with their guidance counselor and may be invited to a company open house. For more information, contact Christy Lefevers at [email protected] or 828-327-7000 x4308.

Assistance with obtaining state-regulated or industry recognized credentials. Register for the Workforce Development Grant.

Available to students from qualifying counties, who demonstrate financial need, to help them attend college. Contact Brandy Stewart, Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid at [email protected] or 828-327-7000. ext 4450.