Continuing Education & Workforce Development
Opportunities for Professional & Personal Development
WPCC offers a variety of classes for professional training and certifications 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.
Check out our list of upcoming classes. You can get more information on them and register for them by clicking or tapping on the name of the class.
The GEER Scholarship
Learn more about scholarship opportunities for certain workforce development & continuing education classes.
Heavy Equipment Operator
New program provides short-term training using our new CAT simulator
New Certificate Program
Introduction to Advanced Manufacturing prepares you for potential job opportunities with Pratt & Whitney, coming to Asheville, North Carolina in 2022.
Upcoming Events
Click or tap on a class name for more information or to register.
- May 20, 2022, 9:00 am: TABE Test
- May 21, 2022, 8:00 am: Defensive Driving (Section 66942)
- May 23, 2022, 8:00 am: Horticulture Equipment Operation & Maintenance
- May 23, 2022, 4:00 pm: Acrylics 101: Landscapes
- May 24, 2022, 8:00 am: Vegetable Production
- May 25, 2022, 6:00 pm: Defensive Driving (Section 66943)
- May 28, 2022, 8:00 am: Defensive Driving (Section 66944)
- May 30, 2022, All day: Memorial Day - WPCC Closed
- June 4, 2022, 8:00 am: Defensive Driving (Section 66945)
- June 6, 2022, 8:00 am: Emergency Medical Technician Day Session Course - Section #65988
- June 8, 2022, 6:00 pm: Defensive Driving (Section 66946)
- June 9, 2022, 2:00 pm: TABE Test
- June 16, 2022, 8:00 am: Industrial Sewing (66938)
- June 16, 2022, 2:00 pm: TABE Test
- June 18, 2022, 8:00 am: Defensive Driving (Section 66947)
- June 22, 2022, All Day: : New York Cultural Experience – Tour
- June 22, 2022, 6:00 pm: Defensive Driving (Section 66948)
- July 4, 2022, All day: July 4 Holiday - WPCC Closed
- July 11, 2022, 8:00 am: Industrial Sewing (66939)
A complete calendar of course offerings is available below.
How
to
Register
Online Registration
You can sign up for classes via our online system. Please have the class title/name and the date(s) or class section numbers before clicking or tapping the buttons to access the registration forms.
Register for Classes OnlineRegister for a Fire/EMS Class Online
In-Person Registration
NOTE: In-person registration for Workforce and Continuing Education classes in Hildebrand Hall has resumed.You can stop in to register Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 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. If you have questions, please call (828) 448-3500.
Select a Category Below for Classes
Personal Enrichment
Courses for personal interests for all ages.
Allied Health
Training & Certification
for healthcare
Customized Training
Specialized Training
for Businesses & Individuals
Online Classes
Courses when & where
you want to learn
Emergency Services
Certification & Training
for Fire & Rescue
HRD & CRC
Human Resources &
Career Readiness Certification
Certifications
Courses to acquire or renew job skills
Emergency Medical
Classes for emergency medical responders
Job & Career
Courses to increase and
improve job skills
Small Business
Entrepreneurs &
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 or Google Calendar link to add the class to your personal calendar.
Events in February 2021
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Financing Your Small Business
Financing Your Small Business
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February 2, 2021WEBINAR - Register with the Small Business Center
If you have a great product or service to bring to market, the money is out there somewhere! Financing Your Small Business explores the myriad of funding sources available for both startup and expanding businesses. From collecting coins-in-the-couch to getting approved for loans...From winning grants to crowdsourcing through Go Fund Me pages...Financing Your Small Business helps you identify the best sources of funding for each stage and situation of your venture!
Presenter: Mike Collins
Financing Your Small BusinessFinancing Your Small Business
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February 2, 2021WEBINAR - Register with the Small Business Center
If you have a great product or service to bring to market, the money is out there somewhere! Financing Your Small Business explores the myriad of funding sources available for both startup and expanding businesses. From collecting coins-in-the-couch to getting approved for loans...From winning grants to crowdsourcing through Go Fund Me pages...Financing Your Small Business helps you identify the best sources of funding for each stage and situation of your venture!
Presenter: Mike Collins
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TABE Testing (HEC-123)
TABE Testing (HEC-123)
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February 3, 2021TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) tests for the Nurse Aide I and Nurse Aide II
classes are offered at the Foothills Higher Education Center, in Room HEC-123.
NOTE: Due to social distancing guidelines we are limiting the number of students attending each test date . Thank you for your understanding.
Please be aware you will be asked to wear a mask or face covering during the test and while you are in the testing area. Please bring your own mask to the test.
Foothills Higher Education Center2128 South Sterling StreetMorganton, NC 28655USA -
Nonprofits: Learning to Share Your Sandbox: Creating Effective Partnership Agreements
Nonprofits: Learning to Share Your Sandbox: Creating Effective Partnership Agreements
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February 4, 2021WEBINAR - Register with the Small Business CenterThis webinar shares with nonprofits leaders how to evaluate the organization’s current needs, identify potential partners, and cultivate partnerships that are efficient and effective. We will break down the written partnership agreement process and share tips and templates for key agreements such as “Memorandum of Understandings (MOU). Finally, our experts will explain why strategic partnerships are more important than ever and how partnership agreements can hinder or help your fundraising efforts.Take-Aways• Understand the difference between sponsorship and partnerships• Assess organizational needs• Identify best partnership prospects• Outline partnership agreements for community or grant writing purposes• Learn effective methods to develop and maintain strategic partnershipsPresenter: Marie Palacios, Lead Consultant, Funding for Good
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Creating a Winning Business Plan
Creating a Winning Business Plan
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February 9, 2021WEBINAR - Register with the Small Business Center
You can’t reach your goal—or get a loan—without the map that is your business plan. Creating a Winning Business Plan offers simple, easy-to-follow steps for creating a business plan that fits your small business.
Speaker(s): Mike Collins is author of The Best Small Business to Start Right Now! and The Perfect Workday Book. He is president of The Perfect Workday Company and has been one of the leading presenters for the NC Community College’s Small Business Center Network for over 33 years.
Registered participants will receive a free E-copy of Mike Collins books, The Best Small Business to Start Right Now! and The Perfect Workday.
Gateway to Woodworking 1 | 63234Gateway to Woodworking 1 | 63234
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February 9, 2021
Want space, equipment, and guidance to create your own woodworking projects? Western Piedmont Community College is offering an introduction to the safest and best practices for woodshop. This class is a prerequisite class for woodworking open labs. Students will build a serving tray. Students will learn about the shop's overall workspace including wood storage, rough ends, equipment in the machining areas, as well as seeing demonstrations of layout, measurement, and case fitting strategies. Individuals who have already taken the Gateway class previously may work on their own projects. Individuals must wear safety glasses and closed-toed shoes.
Class Dates: 2/9, 2/11, & 2/16
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Location: Western Piedmont Community College J 20
Cost: $97.00
Section Number: 63234
Teacher Renewal Credits: 1.2 CEUS
Educators - Please ask your local school system if they will accept a class for teacher renewal credits.
Registration Link: https://www.wpcc.edu/personal-enrichment/ or WPCC Get Enriched! on Facebook
Registration Deadline: Friday, February 5, 2021
WPCC complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and will make every effort to honor reasonable requests made by individuals with qualifying disabilities. Accommodations must be requested three business days in advance of school events or activities through the Office of Disability Services in Room 136 Hildebrand Hall or call (828) 448-3154.
J Building1001 Burkemont AvenueMorganton, NC 28655USACreating a Winning Business PlanCreating a Winning Business Plan
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February 9, 2021WEBINAR - Register with the Small Business Center
You can’t reach your goal—or get a loan—without the map that is your business plan. Creating a Winning Business Plan offers simple, easy-to-follow steps for creating a business plan that fits your small business.
Speaker(s): Mike Collins is author of The Best Small Business to Start Right Now! and The Perfect Workday Book. He is president of The Perfect Workday Company and has been one of the leading presenters for the NC Community College’s Small Business Center Network for over 33 years.
Registered participants will receive a free E-copy of Mike Collins books, The Best Small Business to Start Right Now! and The Perfect Workday.
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Successful Sales on Amazon
Successful Sales on Amazon
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February 10, 2021Amazon is the leading e-commerce website in the United States with more than $281 billion dollars in 2019 net sales. Amazon has more than 350 million active customer accounts worldwide. In this fast paced class you’ll learn How the secrets of Amazon's Search Algorithm, how to register & choose the account that fits your goals, and list an item on Amazon for free to maximize your profitability. You’ll learn how to ship your items or let Amazon ship them for you with "Fulfillment by Amazon" (FBA) shipping services. Learn how to make the most money with every sale. Amazon is the fastest way to start selling online. Sell just a few items and pay no monthly fee with the Individual plan or choose the Small Business subscription for unlimited selling.Presenter: Nick Hawks -
Business Tax Essentials
Business Tax Essentials
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February 11, 2021WEBINAR - Register with the Small Business Center
This seminar will cover the basic requirements to help NC businesses understand the laws and obligations necessary to be a tax compliant business. Participants will learn about filing and administrative requirements, the basics of NC sales & use tax law, and the basics of NC withholding tax law in addition to receiving directions for completing sales tax and withholding returns and for filing and paying online. Agencies such as the Secretary of State, Industrial Commission, Employment Security or Business Link NC may be present at dates noted below to deliver additional information.
Speaker(s): Edward Shumaker, Education Officer, NC Department of Revenue
Co-Sponsor(s): NC Department of Revenue
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Paramedic - Day Session
Paramedic - Day Session
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February 15, 2021Dates: February 15 - November 30, 2021
Days: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 08:30-17:00
Room: HEC 182 & ESTC
Cost Information
All costs are approximate and are subject to change.
- Registration: $360.00 plus insurance fees (unless fee exempt)
- Textbook: Paramedic Care: Principles & Practice (5th Edition) (ISBN 0134575962). Available at the WPCC Book Cellar(828) 448-3186 Approximate cost of $464.125.
- Uniforms: $100 (approximate)
- Boots: $100
- Platinum Planner: $97.50
- Background Check: $144.75
- Certification Card Fees: $30
Prerequisites for Paramedic Classes
- Must be 18 years of age to enroll into the course.
- High school diploma or high school equivalency.
- Placement Testing with reading, English language comprehension, and mathematical application and comprehension on the post-secondary level. Proof of successful completion of college-level English and/or college-level Math may be accepted upon approval of the paramedic director.
- Possession of a valid and active North Carolina EMT Credential, NREMT or other state EMS Credential.
- Co-Requisite: Successful Completion of an approved Anatomy and Physiology course:
- Must complete the application packet entirely and submit it prior to the close of business on Friday, December 18th, 2020. Each applicant will be notified by email or phone of acceptance to the 2021 paramedic class. Once the applicant receives official notification of acceptance, the applicant must complete the course registration form and pay associated fees with the records division on the main campus (Hildebrand Hall).
- Due to the class complexity and prerequisite requirements, walk-ins will not be accepted.
For More Information
For information, please call (828) 448-6199 or by e-mail at ncarswell2@wpcc.edu or click or tap the button below to register online. Student Fees will be due at time of registration.
Register for the Paramedic Class
Questions?
If you have questions, please contact Nicole Carswell at (828) 448-6037 or by e-mail at ncarswell2@wpcc.edu
Foothills Higher Education Center2128 South Sterling StreetMorganton, NC 28655USA -
TABE Testing - CANCELLED - CALL OR EMAIL TO RESCHEDULE
TABE Testing - CANCELLED - CALL OR EMAIL TO RESCHEDULE
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February 18, 2021DUE TO PREDICTED INCLEMENT WEATHER, WE HAVE CANCELLED THIS TESTING DATE
If you would like to switch your registration to Monday, February 22nd at 10am, please email whouk@wpcc.edu, or call 828-448-3532.
Foothills Higher Education Center2128 South Sterling StreetMorganton, NC 28655USAUsing Instagram to Build Your BusinessUsing Instagram to Build Your Business
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February 18, 2021WEBINAR - Register with the Small Business CenterAlthough not usually considered a place for business marketing, Instagram has become powerful mobile platform for advertisers over the course of the past year. Join us as we explore how you can harness the energy of this powerful social media tool and put it to work in recruiting new customers.Presenter: Matt Rudisill -
TABE Testing (HEC-123)
TABE Testing (HEC-123)
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February 22, 2021TABE (Test of Adult Basic Education) tests for the Nurse Aide I and Nurse Aide II
classes are offered at the Foothills Higher Education Center, in Room HEC-123.
NOTE: Due to social distancing guidelines we are limiting the number of students attending each test date . Thank you for your understanding.
Please be aware you will be asked to wear a mask or face covering during the test and while you are in the testing area. Please bring your own mask to the test.
Foothills Higher Education Center2128 South Sterling StreetMorganton, NC 28655USA -
Notary Public Class (63179) - SECTION FULL
Notary Public Class (63179) - SECTION FULL
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February 25, 2021
Class Dates: 2/25/21 Thursday
Cost: $75 (book required)
Location: Foothills Higher Education Center Room 211
Class Section Number: 63179Notary Public Education provides individuals with the opportunity to become or renew their standing as a Notary with the state of North Carolina. This course of study meets the state guidelines for instruction. A current notary book is required. The book can be purchased through the WPCC Bookstore. Visit the Bookstore online, give them a call at (828) 448-3186, or e-mail bookstore@wpcc.edu.
It is recommended that you register at least one week prior to the class you want to attend. This will allow time for you to read the guidebook which must be read prior to class. There are no waivers and no refunds for this class.
» Eligibility Requirements for Initial Appointment
Please look at the website for the notary division at www.sosnc.com for additional information.
Foothills Higher Education Center2128 South Sterling StreetMorganton, NC 28655USANurse Aide Level I (63147)Nurse Aide Level I (63147)
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February 25, 2021
Nurse Aide I provides you the opportunity to pursue a healthcare career with entry-level skills in a hospital or nursing home setting. Upon successful completion, you will be eligible to apply for The Nurse Aide I test administered by NACES. After passing the state test, you will be listed on the Nurse Aide I registry at DHHS. CPR for Basic Life Support Certification is now included with this class.Requirements
In order to register for the NA I class, you must:
- Score at least a ninth grade level on the TABE test. To schedule your TABE, please call (828) 448-6140.
- Provide copies of a valid driver’s license and social security card (names must match).
- Provide a copy of your High School Diploma or High School Equivalency Diploma or sealed transcript of grades or be currently enrolled in the last year of the WPCC Burke Middle College, WPCC AHSD program, or WPCC High School Equivalency program.
Additional Information
- Students will be required to have a criminal background check submitted to Blue Ridge Healthcare. The criminal background check must be completed after class begins.
- Students will be required to have a complete physical exam by their healthcare provider; forms will be given out during registration.
- Students may enroll up to 3 times in the NA 1 program
- Cost: $235.00
- Textbook: Nursing Assistant Care- The Basics available in the WPCC Bookstore
Our Nurse Aide classes are open for enrollment. Please complete the online registration form below. Payment must be received before you are completely registered for a class.
Registration
Once you have completed the above requirements, you will be allowed to register for the class.
Continuing Education classes offered through our Workforce and Professional Development Division, have a pre-registration policy, with the exception of Fire/Rescue, Law Enforcement, HRD and CTP program areas. Students must register and pay any registration fees two business days/48 business hours prior to the start date of the class. For example, if Class starts on Monday, the last day to register is 5:00 pm on Wednesday.
Students may register via the following methods:
- Online (click on the button below)
- Call (828) 448-6046 Monday – Thursday from 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. in order to arrange an appointment for registration at Hildebrand Hall on the main campus.
- Download and fax the registration form. Our fax number is (828) 448-6179.
Class Information
Class sessions meet in Room 166 of the Foothills Higher Education Center on Sterling Street in Morganton. The cost of the course is $235. Write down the section number of the class you want to register for to enter in the online registration below.
Nurse Aide I (Section 63147) - February 25 - April 02, 2021
(Clinical meets March 23 - March 30, 2021 from 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.)
Meets Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
CPR Class is Friday, March 5 from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Foothills Higher Education Center2128 South Sterling StreetMorganton, NC 28655USAHow to Start a BusinessHow to Start a Business
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February 25, 2021WEBINAR - Register with the Small Business CenterDon't miss the opportunity to learn the basics of starting a small business. Are you thinking about getting into business for yourself? This webinar covers the issues that an individual should consider before thinking about opening the doors. In other words, this webinar is the starting point on your journey into business ownership. Learn how to identify critical issues and make the right decisions as you prepare to start your business. Topics include business structures (sole proprietorships, partnerships and corporations), licensing and zoning, trademarks, copyrights, patents, insurance, financing alternatives, record keeping, and taxes.Presenter: Ron Elmore, Regional Director, Hickory/Boone Center, NC Small Business & Technology Development CenterHow to Start a BusinessHow to Start a Business
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February 25, 2021WEBINARDon't miss the opportunity to learn the basics of starting a small business. Are you thinking about getting into business for yourself? This webinar covers the issues that an individual should consider before thinking about opening the doors. In other words, this webinar is the starting point on your journey into business ownership. Learn how to identify critical issues and make the right decisions as you prepare to start your business. Topics include business structures (sole proprietorships, partnerships and corporations), licensing and zoning, trademarks, copyrights, patents, insurance, financing alternatives, record keeping, and taxes. -
ABCs of Starting a Small Business on a Limited Budget
ABCs of Starting a Small Business on a Limited Budget
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February 28, 2021WEBINAR
Learn the ABCs of how to start a small business combined with winning strategies from low-cost startups. ABCs Starting a Small Business on a Limited Budget is easier now than it has ever been. In these challenging times everyone from the government to your local banker is trying to help you succeed.
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
Rick Furse
Dean of Workforce &
Professional Development
(828) 448-3121