Catawba County is home to a dynamic community that fosters collaboration among a wide range of industries, all united by a shared commitment to empower and invest in student success. By continuing to work together, CVCC programs are discovering new ways to give back to the community.   

The support of local partners spans a variety of curriculum programs, with the School of Career & Technical Education (CTE) standing out as a particularly partner-intensive area. Through CTE programs, students gain access to valuable learning opportunities like the Catawba Apprenticeship Network (CAN) or Work-Based Learning (WBL). These programs help students secure professional work that aligns with their studies, preparing them for real-world demands of their chosen industries.   

Local businesses play a crucial role in embracing new programs and welcoming students seeking deeper, hands-on educational experience.   

One notable area is the HVAC/R program, Led by Department Head Ramie Robinson and lead instructor, Ron Hipps. HVAC/R is a multi-faceted, high demand field that combines textbook learning with hands-on experience. The school of CTE strives to ensure that students understand the value of their work. Each semester, program leaders seek opportunities for students to get out into the community and apply their skills outside of the classroom.  

Last spring’s project stood out from the rest. Momentum Tire, a CVCC Automotive Systems partner reached out to the college for referrals for industrial systems repair. Aden Cranford, Dean of CTE, and Shawn Mull, director of the Automotive Systems program, the departments came together and suggested that HVAC students would be just right for the job.   

The project took place at the company’s newly acquired building on Highway 70. Tim Lail, the owner and operator of Momentum Tire, expressed appreciation for the students’ willingness to assist and looked forward to the further strengthening of the relationship between Momentum Tire and the college in the future.   

“We are very glad to be a partner with Automotive Systems Technology at CVCC for several years,” Lail said. “This partnership has been great for our business. We are excited to be expanding and hiring more people at Momentum, and we plan on hiring more Automotive Systems Apprentices from CAN as well.”  

With faculty guidance, students removed the facility’s existing units, took down several mini-splits, and reinstalled new equipment. By applying their technical skills outside of the classroom, students gained a deeper understanding of the value their work brings to the community.  

 “Career and Technical Education isn’t just about mastering skills—it’s about applying them in real-world settings that make a difference.  Service-learning projects bridge the gap between classroom instruction and industry needs, empowering students to grow as professionals while giving back to their communities. When students see their work impact the real world, they don’t just learn a trade—they develop a purpose,” shares Dean Cranford.  

This is not the first time that the CVCC HVAC program has assisted community partners. One semester, the HVAC program received a call from a local resident who found himself unable to afford heating installation.  This dilemma for one community member proved to be an opportunity for CVCC’s students.   

Using their classroom and technical knowledge, students visited the resident’s home and successfully installed the HVAC equipment. It was a win-win scenario. where students gained field experience, and the resident’s home had heat to last through the winter.  

When asked about the experience with Momentum, students were just as enthusiastic about servicing a partner facility as they were about helping community residents.   

“At CVCC, education is most impactful when rooted in real-world experience and strong community connections. With the blessing of Dean Aden Cranford, our students are empowered to take their learning beyond the classroom through apprenticeships and hands-on opportunities that prepare them for success,” shared Ramie Robinson.  

“We’re more than a college in Hickory; we’re a community of faculty and staff committed to service and partnership. When Momentum Tire, a valued partner in our automotive program, experienced an HVAC issue, our HVAC students stepped in to help. It was a win for students to gain real-world experience, and our CVCC partner received timely support.”