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.
- August 15, 2022, 9:00 am: Basic Computer Skills
- August 16, 2022, 4:30 pm: Medium Hydraulic Excavator (67174)
- August 17, 2022, 4:00 pm: Fight Choreography
- August 20, 2022, 8:00 am: Defensive Driving (Section 67062)
- August 24, 2022, 6:00 pm: Defensive Driving (Section 67063)
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 2022
| SunSunday | MonMonday | TueTuesday | WedWednesday | ThuThursday | FriFriday | SatSaturday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 30, 2022 | January 31, 2022 |
February 1, 2022(1 event)
6:00 pm: Marketing Your Business6:00 pm: Marketing Your Business – Topic: Marketing and Sales
Marketing for the 21st Century small business is more dynamic and challenging than ever. Discover how to most effectively and efficiently use the many marketing tools available. Gain insights to understand and reach your customer, analyze your industry and business environment and differentiate between branding, advertising, and grassroots marketing techniques. Explore the components of an effective marketing plan in this comprehensive webinar. Speaker(s): Matt Rudisill 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 Fee: No Cost Location: WPCC Foothills Higher Education Center |
February 2, 2022 |
February 3, 2022(1 event)
9:00 am: Business Tax Essential - Webinar9:00 am: Business Tax Essential - Webinar – Topic: Tax Planning
This webinar 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 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. Fee: No Cost Location: WPCC Online Training Events |
February 4, 2022 | February 5, 2022 |
| February 6, 2022 | February 7, 2022 |
February 8, 2022(1 event)
12:00 pm: Market Research with NC LIVE - Webinar12:00 pm: Market Research with NC LIVE - Webinar – Topic: Marketing and Sales
NC LIVE is a free resource available through the North Carolina library system, with access to tools and databases that can help start-ups and existing small businesses conduct research on their industry, competitors and identify potential customers. This seminar introduces participants to NC LIVE and demonstrates how they can use Data Axle, Simply Analytics, and ProQuest Entrepreneurship to research their business. Speaker(s): Chanda Platania, Catawba County Library Fee: No Cost Location: WPCC Online Training Events |
February 9, 2022(1 event)
9:00 am: Hashtag Culture - Build a Following on Instagram - Webinar9:00 am: Hashtag Culture - Build a Following on Instagram - Webinar – Topic: Marketing and Sales
Instagram is one of the fastest growing social media platforms where you paint a picture of your business with photos and videos. Learn how to use this platform in connection with Facebook to grow your business to great heights. Speaker(s): Matt Rudisill 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. Fee: No Cost Location: WPCC Online Training Events |
February 10, 2022 | February 11, 2022 | February 12, 2022 |
| February 13, 2022 | February 14, 2022 |
February 15, 2022(2 events)
12:00 pm: Tax Overview for Your Small Business12:00 pm: Tax Overview for Your Small Business – Topic: Tax Planning
If you are operating or starting a sole proprietorship or LLC, you need to know which records you need to keep, which taxes you’re required to pay, and how to make sure you’re operating legally as you work with state and federal tax authorities. This webinar will provide a basic overview of key questions many businesses have and the filings they need to make. Speaker(s): Tim Reynolds and Matt McKinney with firm of Davidson, Holland & Whitesell, 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. Fee: No Cost Location: WPCC Online Training Events 6:00 pm: Financing Your Business6:00 pm: Financing Your Business – Topic: Financing
Financing continues to be a challenge for many small business owners. Questions range from, Who will give me money for my business idea and what do they need from me? to, How will this business make money and will it be enough to pay back a loan or attract an investor? Get to the heart of business financing in this seminar that answers your questions. Explore the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of funding sources and how to choose the right one for your needs. Discover the keys to financing success. Speaker(s): Eddie McGimsey 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. Fee: No Cost Location: WPCC Foothills Higher Education Center |
February 16, 2022 | February 17, 2022 | February 18, 2022 | February 19, 2022 |
| February 20, 2022 |
February 21, 2022(2 events)
8:00 am: ServSafe Managerial Course (65828)8:00 am: ServSafe Managerial Course (65828) – During this one-day certification course and test, students will obtain an understanding of standards for sanitation that are applicable to all aspects of food service and food industry operations. The course covers microbiology and foodborne illnesses, sanitizing equipment and facilities, pest control, HACCP and protecting food during preparation, storage and service. Upon successful completion, students will earn a ServSafe certificate. Monday, February 21, 2022 from 8:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M. Registration Deadline is February 16, 2022 Foothills Higher Education Center 2128 South Sterling Street Morganton, NC 28655 USA 10:30 am: QuickBooks - Internet Version - Part 1 Introduction10:30 am: QuickBooks - Internet Version - Part 1 Introduction – Topic: Business Accounting and Budget
Quick Books is a top national accounting software for small businesses. This small business forum will get the participants started using the internet-based QuickBooks Online version. Topics include: • Levels of QuickBooks service in the Online version • Setting up your company • Introducing the Chart of Accounts, • Moving around in the program • Answering specific questions about your business • Receiving tips about best practices in using QuickBooks Online Speaker(s): Marlene Houk 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. Fee: No Cost Location: WPCC Foothills Higher Education Center |
February 22, 2022(3 events)
9:00 am: Post Covid Expansion Plans - Strategies to Grow your Business in 2022 - Webinar9:00 am: Post Covid Expansion Plans - Strategies to Grow your Business in 2022 - Webinar – Topic: Managing a Business
Business Owners - What has changed in your markets? Let's discuss the trends that have emerged across the business landscape. Let's discuss solutions and how we can help you. Speaker(s): Representative from the NC Small Business & Technology Development Center 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. Fee: No Cost Location: WPCC Online Training Events 5:00 pm: Auto Dealer License Renewal5:00 pm: Auto Dealer License Renewal – The Auto Dealer License Renewal Course meets the six-hour continuing education requirement for your license renewal as ordered for Independent Auto Dealers by House Bill 432. This course provides a brief overview of the NC Motor Vehicle Dealers and Manufacturers Regulations Manual and includes a study of dealer laws, regulations, DMV regulations, federal laws and rules, and proper record-keeping. NEXT CLASS: February 22 & 23, 2022, 5:00-8:00 p.m. Contact Suzanne Wallace by email (swallace@wpcc.edu) or phone at (828) 448-6719 for more information. Online Only 6:00 pm: How to Find Your Customers6:00 pm: How to Find Your Customers – Topic: Marketing and Sales
Market research isn’t just for startups; it’s an important ongoing process for every small business. Developing a focused and effective marketing plan requires up-to-date market analysis. Discover the variety of market research tools that will give you critical information about your industry and customers. Get the data you need to test the feasibility of a new business, find the competition and potential customers interested in your proposed product or service. Speaker(s): Eddie McGimsey 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. Fee: No Cost Location: WPCC Foothills Higher Education Center |
February 23, 2022(2 events)
9:00 am: Finding Traffic for Your Business Online with Paid Ads - Webinar9:00 am: Finding Traffic for Your Business Online with Paid Ads - Webinar – Topic: Marketing and Sales
In this webinar, participants will learn about different options to advertise your business using online resources. These options are often easier and much less expensive than traditional advertising. We will discuss social media advertising through major platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, as well as Google Ads and other options. Speaker(s): Matt Rudisill 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. Fee: No Cost Location: WPCC Online Training Events 10:30 am: QuickBooks - Internet Version - Part 2 - Moving around in QuickBooks10:30 am: QuickBooks - Internet Version - Part 2 - Moving around in QuickBooks – Topic: Business Accounting and Budget
Learning to move around in your QuickBooks account online will reduce frustration and save time. In this small business forum, the attendee can: • Learn tips and advice to set up your company. • Acquire skill in moving around in QuickBooks Online using the cog, New button, dashboard, and more. • Use the practice company online to: enter checks and expenses, create invoices, make deposits, create reports, use credit cards, etc. • Get your specific questions answered about your business • Receive tips about best practices and using QuickBooks Online Speaker(s): Marlene Houk 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. Fee: No Cost Location: WPCC Foothills Higher Education Center |
February 24, 2022(2 events)
9:00 am: Business Organization and Recordkeeping with the IRS - Webinar9:00 am: Business Organization and Recordkeeping with the IRS - Webinar – Topic: Tax Planning
Businesses need to know their options when it comes to legally structuring their business and how it will impact their tax liability. This session reviews legal structure options, the role of an EIN, and outlines the primary types of business taxes that many entities are required to play. Plus the session reviews recordkeeping requirements for businesses, including the types of information which need to be retained and the length of time that records should be kept. Speaker(s): Fred Parker, Attorney with Gardner Skelton Law Firm, provided by IRS Fee: No Cost Location: WPCC Online Training Events 11:00 am: BECOMING A PRE-EMINENT SMALL BUSINESS AT THE SPEED OF RELATIONSHIPS - Webinar11:00 am: BECOMING A PRE-EMINENT SMALL BUSINESS AT THE SPEED OF RELATIONSHIPS - Webinar – Topic: Managing a Business
The more the world becomes a digital marketplace, the more need for referred business that grows sales and profits while reducing the costs of customer acquisition. In this webinar workshop we will discuss the principles and fundamentals that lead to more referred business. BONUS: Those who attend this webinar will be invited the following week to participate in a follow up Question and Answer session with Brian Kennedy. Information will be provided to those who attend after this session has been completed. Speaker(s): Brian Kennedy 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. Fee: No Cost Location: WPCC Online Training Events |
February 25, 2022 | February 26, 2022 |
| February 27, 2022 |
February 28, 2022(1 event)
10:30 am: QuickBooks - Internet Version - Part 3 - The Bookkeeping and Accounting Process10:30 am: QuickBooks - Internet Version - Part 3 - The Bookkeeping and Accounting Process – Topic: Business Accounting and Budget
Bookkeepers record every financial transaction made by a company. For each transaction, there is a document or online backup. Some examples of transactions are: receipt, invoice, purchase order, bill or debit/credit card charge, etc. Accountants analyze, interpret and report financial information for the business. Accounting also includes preparing year-end financial statements and making appropriate business decisions based upon the financial information available. This class will help the attendee to: • Understand the idea of debits and credits used in double-entry bookkeeping, • Explore the Chart of Accounts • Learn tips and advice about creating journal entries. • Get your specific questions answered about your business • Receive tips about best practices and using QuickBooks Online Speaker(s): Marlene Houk 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. Fee: No Cost Location: WPCC Foothills Higher Education Center |
March 1, 2022 | March 2, 2022 | March 3, 2022 | March 4, 2022 |
March 5, 2022(1 event)
8:00 am: Defensive Driving (Section 66230)8:00 am: Defensive Driving (Section 66230) – If you have been charged with a minor violation in the 36th North Carolina Judicial District, you may elect to have it reduced by the District Attorney by completing a 4-hour defensive driving course. It is offered through Western Piedmont Community College and the Safety and Health Council of North Carolina to train motorists in the principles of defensive driving.
Foothills Higher Education Center |
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