NC MANUFACTURING INSTITUTE (NCMI)

What is NCMI?

The North Carolina Manufacturing Institute initiative was conceived in the summer of 2014 during meetings with leaders in Rowan and Cabarrus counties from both chambers of commerce, economic development authorities, the Centralina Workforce Development Board, and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. Mitchell Community College joined the initiative in 2016 adding Iredell county to the partnership. Iredell Economic Development Corp. and Statesville Chamber of Commerce support the initiative in Iredell county. This unique three county initiative, Cabarrus, Iredell and Rowan, is a valuable resource for area industry and residents.

NCMI is a response to employers’ need for solving talent recruitment issues in order to grow and remain competitive. This initiative builds a clear and achievable pathway for people to acquire those skills in order to access good jobs in local communities.

Manufacturing firms will benefit from partnering with NCMI through access to a pipeline of screened, trained, certified production technicians who can help them achieve their business goals.

NCMI is specially designed to link and leverage the existing assets of Rowan, Cabarrus, and Iredell counties to solve a growing gap between regional job seekers and available positions. Its innovative funding and operational structure allow the Institute to deliver results in response to a rapidly-growing need for manufacturing employees with certified skills and verified work readiness.

Our Vision and Focus Benefit You

The NCMI Strategic Vision

To build a world class talent pool to support the retention and growth of regional manufacturers

Focus Area #1

Deliver training that closes the skill gap between job seekers and available jobs

Focus Area #2

Provide services and systems to more effectively match job seekers and available jobs in the manufacturing sector

Focus Area #3

Improve the image of manufacturing employment among job seekers, students, parents, and school personnel

Our Commitment

The North Carolina Manufacturing Institute will:

  • Recruit candidates from Cabarrus, Iredell, and Rowan regional labor markets

  • Screen candidates for workplace foundation skills

  • Award full scholarships for eligible candidates

  • Provide 168 hours of pre-employment training and certification

  • Graduate students with the full MSSC Certified Production Technician certification

  • Graduate students with workplace effectiveness skills

  • Graduate students with exemplary attendance

  • Connect partner firms with program graduates

Meet Our Leadership Team

Staff and Board Members

Elbert Lassiter

Vice President Corporate and Continuing Education, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

David Hollars

Executive Director,
Centralina Workforce Development Board

David King

Business Services,
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

Lori McKay

Business Services Coordinator,
Mitchell Community College

Craig Lamb

Former Vice President Corporate & Continuing Education and Founding Member, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

Jonathan Ramm

Lead Advanced Manufacturing Trainer, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

Craig Lamb

Vice President Corporate & Continuing Education, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

David Hollars

Executive Director,
Centralina Workforce Development Board

David King

Business Services,
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

Lori McKay

Business Services Coordinator,
Mitchell Community College

Ready to get started?

Customized programs to give you the skills and knowledge that local employers want

Upcoming Classes

January 27 - March 28, 2025
8:30 am - 12:30 pm, Mon - Fri
Statesville – Mitchell Community College

Upcoming Classes

January 13 – April 2, 2025
5:30 pm – 9:30 pm, Mon – Thurs
Kannapolis – Rowan Cabarrus Community College

April 21 – June 18, 2025
12:30 pm – 4:30 pm, Mon – Fri
Kannapolis – Rowan Cabarrus Community College

Contact Us

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