RichmondCC Offers Work-Based Learning Program to Local Businesses in Richmond and Scotland County

Nov. 9, 2020 – Richmond Community College held a luncheon on Oct. 29 at the Cole Auditorium for the college’s Work-Based Learning (WBL) programs. Several companies attended the luncheon to learn about Work-Based Learning in Richmond and Scotland County. Plastek Group and Burlington Industries were among the companies that were in attendance and have fully signed on with RichmondCC to participate in the WBL program.

The need for skilled workers in Richmond and Scotland County continues to grow. Employers face challenges to finding and keeping good employees while students struggle to get experience in their field of study.

“Coming out of the military, I was out of touch with what employers were looking for. The Work-Based Learning program helped me get back into the workforce and learn the skills that are needed today. The best thing about it was that someone was there to help me if I had questions every step of the way,” said Javier Crisobal, Work-Based Learning student.

Javier did his WBL at Plastek Group working in inventory control, which was part of his Business Administration degree. After Javier completed his WBL with Plastek, he was hired by Burlington Industries to work in their planning department.

RichmondCC has added a Work-Based Learning course to many of the academic programs offered at the college. Work-Based Learning allows the student to have the opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom with paid, supervised and practical work experiences that are directly related to their field of study. Students who participate typically work 12 to 30 hours per week while attending classes and earning academic credit. This combination is a way for students to explore career choices and become better prepared for the job market after graduation.

“At Plastek we welcome any student, no matter the program that they are in. If they want to learn about manufacturing, we will let them. With Javier, it was a win, win situation for everyone,” Aaron Dorhrel, Plant Manager at Plastek.

Students who participate in the Work-Based Learning program will be required to work a minimum of 160 hours during the semester to receive academic credit towards their degree. In addition, all Work-Based Learning students are enrolled in a seminar class that with a focus on improving soft skills, resume writing, and interview techniques.

 “This program is dependent on local employers partnering with the college. We want to help the employers find the right candidates for their vacant positions and at the same time, we want to give our students the opportunity to get hands on experiences and have a better understanding of what it is like in the local workforce and what skills they are going to need to be successful,” Lori McLaughlin, Work-Based Learning Coordinator at RichmondCC.

Programs offering Work-Based Leaning as part of their program include:

• Industrial Systems Technology
• Mechanical Engineering
• Information Technology
• Business Administration
• Computer Engineering
• Welding Technology
• Accounting and Finance
• Healthcare Management Technology
• Electronics Engineering
• Computer-Integrated Machining
• Office Administration
• Cyber Security
• Human Services Technology
• Software and Web Developer
• Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology

For more information about the Work-Based Learning program or to have your company participate in this program, contact Lori McLaughlin, Work-Based Learning Coordinator, at ldmclaughlin@richmondcc.edu or call 910-410-1722.