RichmondCC Industrial Systems Graduates Helping Revamp State-of-the-Art Machine

July 28, 2026 - Angie Khurana of Laurel Hill and Josh Austin Sr. of Rockingham are getting to do something that not many people get to do: assemble a one-of-a-kind machine for a leading manufacturer of microwavable popcorn.

Graduates of Richmond Community College’s Industrial System Technician program, Khurana and Austin were hired as interns by Popz USA LLC to work on the company’s unique machine that makes the tubs that contain the brand’s microwavable popcorn. The connection was made after Popz owner and operating manager Sarah Risch reached out to RichmondCC Apprenticeship and Outreach Coordinator Ashleigh Arey, who quickly worked with Industrial Systems Program Coordinator Gibby Peele to identify ideal candidates.

Risch said she has been happy with the new hires from RichmondCC. They both come with great skills and knowledge and are highly motivated to learn more.

Khurana and Austin also speak highly of the experience, as they’ve been working on two machines that were taken out of operation for maintenance – completely stripping down and cleaning each piece. Khurana and Austin are now in charge of rebuilding it and making it operable again.

“We are getting to have a hand on every part of the machine from the ground up,” Khurana said. “We are getting to learn so much with this one project.”

They will also help redesign parts of the machine with newer technology to make it more efficient.

Khurana completed both Phase I and Phase II of RichmondCC’s Industrial Systems Technician program. She also earned the Industrial Maintenance Certification from the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS) that students can obtain through the Industrial Systems program.

Austin has completed Phase I and plans to complete Phase II as well. For Austin, this training has helped him get back on his feet. He is a recovering addict who sought help through Place of Grace Church of Rockingham. Place of Grace connected him to RichmondCC’s Building Brighter Futures program that helps individuals recovering from addiction and those recently released from prison turn their lives around.

The Building Brighter Futures program provides job training, essential life skills and support services that will help at-risk populations with recovery and re-integration into the community. 

Because of Austin’s background in auto mechanics, he was steered toward the Industrial Systems Technician program. In this program, students learn how to troubleshoot, maintain and repair mechanical equipment, electrical motor controls, and other systems commonly found in industry. It was a natural fit for Austin.

Austin is very grateful for the opportunity to work for Popz.

“The people are great here. We get a lot of support from the company, and we’re learning so much,” Austin said.

The next Industrial Systems Technician class is Aug. 25 through Dec. 3 at the Hamlet Campus. The class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. To sign up, call (910) 410-1700 or visit either campus in Hamlet or Laurinburg.