WPCC offers a variety of classes for professional training along with personal advancement and enjoyment both in seated classes and online through ed2go. These classes are designed to accommodate busy lifestyles and provide opportunities to quickly get skills or explore interests.
Upcoming courses are listed in our slideshow. Click or tap on a slide for a class description or to register.
Upcoming Classes
Click or tap on a class name for more information or to register.
- May 31, 2018, 6:00 pm: Ceramic Wind Chimes
- June 7, 2018, 3:30 pm: Raku Box
- June 22, 2018, N/A: Introduction to Blacksmithing: Fundamentals of Forging - 55243
- June 23, 2018, 10:00 am: Stained Glass Mosaic Wall Art
A complete calendar of course offerings is available below.
New In-Person Registration Hours
You can also register and pay in person for Continuing Education and Workforce Development classes with Yvette Logan in Hildebrand Hall, Room 100E [map]. Yvette will be available for registrations Monday-Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Remember, you need to register for classes prior to the class start date (preferably 48 hours prior), allowing time for all payments to process before the class begins.
Select a Category Below for Classes
Personal Enrichment
Courses for personal interest
and exploration
Allied Health
Training & Certification
for healthcare professionals
Customized Training
Specialized Training
for Businesses & Individuals
Online Classes
Courses when & where
you want to learn
Emergency Services
Certification & Training
for Fire & Rescue Personnel
HRD & CRC
Human Resources &
Career Readiness Certification
Certifications
Courses for you to get or renew job skills
Emergency Medical
Classes for emergency medical responders
Job & Career
Courses to add to or
improve your job skills
Small Business
Training for Entrepreneurs
and Small Business Owners
Law Enforcement
Certification & Training
for Law Enforcement
Defensive Driving
Defensive Driving Information & Classes
Current Class Schedule
Here are the classes scheduled for the current month at WPCC. You can see future class offerings by clicking either the Next button to move to the next month or by choosing a month and date and hitting the Go button.
Add A Class to Your Calendar
Want to set a reminder for a class on your phone, tablet, or computer’s calendar? It’s easy. Click the class name to read a description and register to attend. At the bottom, click the iCal link to add the class to your personal calendar.
Events in October 2017–September 2018
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- Turning Wide Rimmed Wood Bowls
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Turning Wide Rimmed Wood BowlsJ Building1001 Burkemont AvenueMorganton, NC 28655USAClass Date: 10/09/17 - 10/11/17, Monday, Wednesday
Cost: $56
Limited to 5 Students
Time: 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: WPCC Building J, Room J 20
Class Section Number: 53311In this lathe class, students will learn how to operate a wood lathe, demonstrate lathe and tool safety and tool selection. Students will use maple wood to create a variety of wood bowl shapes and sizes. Tools and wood provided. Beginner/All levels welcome. Food safe finishes will be discussed.
Instructor: Pam Dergins
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- Functional Hand Built Pottery
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Functional Hand Built PotteryRostan Building1001 Burkemont AvenueMorganton, NC 28655USAClass Date: 10/13/17 - 11/17/17, Fridays (No Class on 11/10)
Sessions: 6 weeks - 17.5 total hours
Cost: $100
Time: 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: WPCC Rostan Building, Rostan 1
Class Section Number: 52600Students will utilize hand building techniques such as slab, drape, and coil to create bowls, cups, and plates. Students will select from an assortment of clay and glazes and learn how to apply various decorative surface techniques such as stamping and slip. This class is open to all levels of ceramic students. Tools may be purchased in the WPCC bookstore. Upon completion, students will create a five place setting dinnerware set.
Instructor: Debra Zimmerman
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- Wood Turning a Custom Keepsake Box - 53312
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Wood Turning a Custom Keepsake Box - 53312J Building1001 Burkemont AvenueMorganton, NC 28655USADates: 10/23/17 & 10/25/17, Monday & Wednesday
Cost: $50
Time: 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
WPCC J Building, J 20
Class Section Number: 53312Instructor will demonstrate two methods of lids: turned and pivot or “sliding” lid. Students will focus on these wood lathe techniques to create a lidded keepsake box. Instructor will work with each student individually to create a unique design pattern. Upon completion, students will create 1 lidded form with a natural finish. All levels welcome.
Limited to 5 Students.
Instructor: Pam Dergins
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- Wood Turning Candlesticks - 53317
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Wood Turning Candlesticks - 53317J Building1001 Burkemont AvenueMorganton, NC 28655USADates: 11/6/2017 & 11/08/2017, Monday & Wednesday
Fee: $56.00
Times: 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Class Section Number: 53317
Location: J Building, Room J 20In this class, students will learn how to operate a wood lathe, cover safety issues and tool selection. Students will use maple wood to create a variety of candlesticks. All tools and materials provided. All levels welcome.
Limited to 5 Students.
Instructor: Pam Dergins
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- Wood Design Challenge
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Wood Design ChallengeJ Building1001 Burkemont AvenueMorganton, NC 28655USAClass Date: 11/17/17 - 12/15/17, Friday
Cost: $100
Time: 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Location: WPCC J Building Room 20
Class Section Number: 53695Come with a plan and let’s make it happen! This class provides a format in which to explore personal interests in wood design with instructor supervision and guidance. Students will have six intensive work sessions, 4 hours each. Students will lay out a student instructor developed plan, specifying goals reasonable for the course. Students with working drawings will go directly into the making process. Upon completion, students will hone skill sets while creating a simple yet elegant wood object.
Instructor: James Ellis
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- Wood Turning Candlesticks - 53747
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Wood Turning Candlesticks - 53747J Building1001 Burkemont AvenueMorganton, NC 28655USADates: 11/13/2017 & 11/15/2017, Monday & Wednesday
Fee: $56.00
Times: 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Class Section Number: 53747
Location: J Building, Room J 20In this class, students will learn how to operate a wood lathe, cover safety issues and tool selection. Students will use maple wood to create a variety of candlesticks. All tools and materials provided. All levels welcome.
Limited to 5 Students.
Instructor: Pam Dergins
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- Ceramic Wall Art - All Levels
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Ceramic Wall Art - All LevelsRostan Building1001 Burkemont AvenueMorganton, NC 28655USAClass Date: 02/08/18 - 3/15/18, Thursdays
Sessions: 6 weeks - 21 total hours
Cost: $120
Time: 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: WPCC Rostan Building, Rostan 1
Class Section Number: 53650In this class, students will create ceramic wall décor. Utilizing hand building techniques such as coil and slab building, an emphasis will be placed on surface decoration. Students will select from an assortment of clay and glazes and learn how to apply various surface treatments. Upon completion, students will create tiles, wall pockets and much more. This class is open to all levels. Tools may be purchased in the WPCC bookstore.
Instructor: Debra Zimmerman
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- Glass Mosaic Art - All Levels
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Glass Mosaic Art - All LevelsRostan Building1001 Burkemont AvenueMorganton, NC 28655USAClass Date: 03/13/18 - 3/20/18, Tuesdays
Sessions: 2 weeks - 8 total hours
Cost: $55
Time: 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Location: WPCC Rostan Building, Rostan 1
Class Section Number: 53652In this class, students will create a 12" x 12” mosaic that may be used in the garden, displayed by front door or in home. During the first class, students will select or create a pattern, break glass, and glue pieces in place. The second class, student will grout mosaics and other finishing touches. Upon completion, students will have a unique piece of art. This class is open to all levels. Students must purchase a mosaic nipper available from hobby stores.
Instructor: Debra Zimmerman
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- Ceramic Totems - All Levels
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Ceramic Totems - All LevelsRostan Building1001 Burkemont AvenueMorganton, NC 28655USAClass Date: 04/12/18 - 5/10/18, Thursday
Sessions: 5 weeks - 17.5 total hours
Cost: $100
Time: 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: WPCC Rostan Building, Rostan 1
Class Section Number: 53651Spring is in the air and it is a perfect time to create themed garden art. In this class, students will create a ceramic totem to be displayed outside. Students will utilize coil and slab techniques, learn how to apply various surface treatments and select from an assortment of glazes. Upon completion, students will have an array of hollow ceramic shapes to be stacked on a metal pole, welcoming guests to personal home and garden. This class is open to all levels. Tools may be purchased in the WPCC bookstore.
Instructor: Debra Zimmerman
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- Ceramic Wind Chimes
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Ceramic Wind ChimesRostan Building1001 Burkemont AvenueMorganton, NC 28655USADates: 5/31/18 - 6/21/18, Thursdays
Cost: $75
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
WPCC Rostan 1
Class Section Number: 55226Wind chimes are one of the world’s first musical instruments and in this class, students will learn the basics of clay by exploring various hand-building techniques to make uniquely designed wind chimes to hang on their porch, balcony or garden! Students will create two wind chimes of various sizes and themes. A basic pottery tool set is required for this class and is available for purchase at the campus bookstore. All skill levels welcome.
Limited to 6 Students.
Instructor: Debra Zimmerman
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- Raku Box
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Raku BoxRostan Building1001 Burkemont AvenueMorganton, NC 28655USADates: 6/07/18 - 6/21/18, Thursdays
Cost: $60
Time: 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
WPCC Rostan 1
Class Section Number: 55227In this class, students will explore the traditional art of Japanese Raku firing. Using slab techniques, students will design a variety of clay boxes. Students will have the opportunity to assist in firing a Raku kiln and experience remarkable surface finishes achieved with this fast and fun firing process. A basic pottery tool set is required for this class and is available for purchase at the campus bookstore. All skill levels welcome.
Limited to 6 Students.
Instructor: Debra Zimmerman
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- Introduction to Blacksmithing: Fundamentals of Forging - 55243
N/A
Introduction to Blacksmithing: Fundamentals of Forging - 55243C Building1001 Burkemont AvenueMorganton, NC 28655USA
Forging example
Dates: 6/22 - 6/24/2018
6/22 - Friday 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
6/23 - Saturday 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (one hour for lunch 12 - 1)
6/23 - Saturday 1:00 - 4:00 pm
6/24 - Sunday 9:00 am - 12:00 pmCost: $125
Location: C110
Section: 55243Limit Class Size to 8
Introduction to Blacksmithing: Fundamentals of Forging
Forging steel is a physically and mentally rewarding experience. The rewards continue when
you are able to use what you have made! In this intensive weekend class, we will learn the
basics of forging steel, while creating a functional item for use in the home, cabin, and camp.
We will cover safety, basic tooling, and the fundamentals of tapers, scrolls, hooks, twisting,
upsetting, and much more. Students will complete a cumulative project; and, if time allows,
forge their own creations. All levels welcome!Course Timeline (subject to change)
● 1st Night (6-9pm):
Safety, Tools, Forging (Hammer Control, Tongs, Physical efficiency)
Hooks: Drawing out tapers, Shoulders, Scrolls, Twists
● 1st Morning (9-12):
Hooks: More Twists, Bends, Punching
Door Pulls: Shoulders, More tapers, Swagging, Hammer techniques
● 1st Afternoon (1-4):
Project Time: Coat/Pot Rack Assembly
● 2nd Morning (9-12):
Project Day and Free ForgingSigning Up for a Personal Enrichment Class
Continuing Education classes offered through our Workforce and Professional Development Division, have a pre-registration policy, with the exception of Fire/Rescue, EMT/EMS, Law Enforcement, HRD and CTP program areas. You must register and pay any registration fees two business days/48 business hours prior to the start date of the class. For example, if the class starts on Monday, the last day to register is Thursday. For information, please contact our Records and Registration Department at (828) 448-6046.
You may register via the following methods:
- Online (click the button below)
- Walk-in registration held Monday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. in Hildebrand Hall, Main Campus; or
- Download and Fax the Registration-Form. Our fax number is (828) 448-6179.
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- Stained Glass Mosaic Wall Art
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Stained Glass Mosaic Wall ArtRostan Building1001 Burkemont AvenueMorganton, NC 28655USADates: 6/23/18 - 6/30/18, Saturdays
Cost: $55
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
WPCC Rostan 1
Class Section Number: 55228In this class, students will create a mosaic using stained glass suitable for display. During the first class, students will select from available patterns or adapt their own concept into a 12” x 12” framed substrate, learn the method of breaking stained glass, configuring and gluing pieces into place. In the second class, students will learn to grout, clean and polish their mosaic. Upon completion, students will have a unique piece of art. This class is open to all levels. Students must purchase a wheeled glass mosaic nipper available from hobby stores. All skill levels welcome.
Limited to 6 Students.
Instructor: Debra Zimmerman
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- Christmas in July
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Christmas in JulyRostan Building1001 Burkemont AvenueMorganton, NC 28655USADates: 6/28/18 - 7/26/18, Thursdays (No class July 5th)
Cost: $75
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
WPCC Rostan 1
Class Section Number: 55229Want a head start on your Christmas presents? Create and design homemade holiday decorations and gifts before the holiday rush. In this course, students will create holiday tea light holders and a variety of ornaments using hand-building methods. Students will learn how to use a slab roller, apply various surface textures and are encouraged to bring their favorite holiday silhouette cookie cutters to personalize their creations. Students will choose from an array of glazes for the finishing touch. A basic pottery tool set is required for this class and is available for purchase at the campus bookstore. All skill levels welcome. Class will not be held on July 5.
Limited to 8 Students.
Instructor: Debra Zimmerman
Categories
Allied Health- Certifications
- Community Service
- Computers, Technology, Software
Continuing Education- Culinary, Food & Beverage
- Customized Training
Defensive Driving- Ed2Go Classes
Emergency Services- Gardening & Sustainable Living
- Genealogy
- Health Wellness
- History and Culture
Holidays- Home Design/Repair
- Human Resources Development
- Notary
- Outdoor Recreation
- Personal Enrichment
- Personal Finance
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- Small Business Center
- Special Interest
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- All Categories
Our Locations
Western Piedmont Community College offers Continuing Education classes on the Main Campus (left pin on the map) and at the Foothills Higher Education Center (right pin on the map). Select a pin to get address and general contact information about each location.
WPCC Main Campus
Morganton, NC 28655
General Information: (828) 438-6000
Foothills Higher Education Center
Morganton, NC 28655
General Information: (828) 448-6140
Division of
Workforce &
Professional Development
Lee Kiser
Dean of Workforce &
Professional Development
(828) 448-6707
