June 27, 2008
For Immediate Release

RCCC Offering New Program
In Mechanical Engineering

                SALISBURY, N.C. — Students registering for fall semester classes at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College will have a new program to consider — one designed to meet a growing need in the two-county area.

                 RCCC will open an associate-degree program in mechanical engineering technology when its fall 2008 semester starts in August. The new two-year program is an expansion and replacement of RCCC's associate-degree program in mechanical drafting.

                 The new mechanical engineering technology (MET) program will serve students wanting to begin their careers quickly and those who want to move on to a bachelor's degree program in mechanical engineering.

                 RCCC's MET program will prepare students for careers as applications engineers, computer-aided designers, design engineers, engineers, engineering technicians, manufacturing engineers, plant maintenance supervisors, product and materials testing technologists, production supervisors and quality control engineers.

                 Students who complete the program also will have the academic background and credentials needed to transfer to bachelor of science in engineering technology (BSET) and bachelor of science in industrial technology (BSIT) programs at UNC-Charlotte, East Carolina University and other four-year institutions.

                 "In recent years, with the growth of new business and industry in Cabarrus and Rowan counties, the need for well-trained workers with multifaceted skills has increased," explained George Barringer, head of the new MET program. "Various kinds of businesses and contractors have a growing need for persons with skills in the design, development, testing, process design and improvement, and troubleshooting and repair of engineered systems.

                 "Our new MET program will provide a vital resource to local contractors and business owners who currently seek some entry-level employees outside our area or outsource with other contractors or businesses from outside of our region," Barringer added.

                For more information about RCCC's new program in mechanical engineering technology, contact Barringer at 704-216-3901 or barringerg@rowancabarrus.edu.

           Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is a comprehensive, community-based institution of higher learning, serving the citizens of Rowan and Cabarrus Counties. RCCC offers approximately 40 programs of study in business, health and human services and engineering technologies at multiple campus locations. RCCC annually provides more than 2,000 course offerings, serving an enrollment of approximately 20,000 adult students. RCCC programs include an associate degree in arts and sciences, an associate degree in applied science, and diploma and certificate programs focusing on workforce training, continuing education and basic skills education.

           In addition, RCCC provides the education and job-training programs needed to meet many of the workforce demands of the North Carolina Research Campus, under construction in Kannapolis, N.C.

           For complete details, see the RCCC website at www.rowancabarrus.edu.