College to Launch Manufacturing Certificate in January
Cape Fear Community College's new Certified Manufacturing Associate program targets precision measurement, technical math and workplace safety skills.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Manufacturing
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Cape Fear Community College will begin a Certified Manufacturing Associate program in January 2027, offering training in precision measurement, technical math, and workplace safety. Registration for the January program is open.
Why it matters
The program is part of the college's partnership with SME's Manufacturing Imperative, an initiative that brings together schools, employers, and workforce organizations to address manufacturing labor shortages. It gives local learners a defined route into the sector.
The Certified Manufacturing Associate program is scheduled to begin in January 2027, with the college's Advanced Manufacturing Expo set for November 19, 2026. No enrollment capacity, tuition figures or completion rates were provided.
The players
Cape Fear Community College
A public community college in Wilmington, North Carolina, offering associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs to the region.
SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers)
A professional association focused on advancing manufacturing knowledge and workforce development, which runs the Manufacturing Imperative initiative.
The details
Training covers precision measurement, technical math, and workplace safety. Cape Fear Community College will also formally join SME's Manufacturing Imperative workforce pipeline coalition after its Advanced Manufacturing Expo at the North Campus.
Timeline
Thursday, November 19, 2026: Cape Fear Community College Advanced Manufacturing Expo at North Campus.
January 2027: Certified Manufacturing Associate program begins.
Market Landscape
Cape Fear Community College is adding a credential track as it joins SME's Manufacturing Imperative, an industry-backed effort to build a manufacturing talent pipeline. The move places the college among the schools working to fill manufacturing roles tied to ongoing labor shortages.
Residents interested in manufacturing careers can register now for the January 2027 program at Cape Fear Community College. The training offers a defined credential path into technical roles that depend on measurement and safety skills.
The takeaway
Short, job-focused certificates like this one offer a practical entry point into manufacturing work. Prospective students should watch the November expo and the January start date when planning.
What happens next
Registration for the January 2027 Certified Manufacturing Associate program is open, and the Advanced Manufacturing Expo takes place on November 19, 2026, when the college is expected to join SME's workforce pipeline coalition.
Further reading
For more on regional industry hiring, see the Manufacturing coverage on Wilmington workforce trends.
Live Poll
Would you consider enrolling in a local manufacturing certification program?
