Gaston College - Economic Workforce Development

06/17/2026

High School Juniors are you thinking about a career as a firefighter? Go see your high school counselor today to find out about this great opportunity!

Gaston College Fire Protection Technology

06/17/2026

Materials Matter Art Camp – June 2026
Experiment, build, and create using a wide range of materials and techniques. From day one, students dove into hands on exploration—testing textures, combining unexpected elements, and discovering how different materials can transform an idea into something entirely new.
Have you ever experimented with unusual or mixed materials in your own artwork? The students in the Materials Matter Art Camp spent four days doing exactly that, gaining fresh experiences and creative confidence along the way.

06/17/2026

Our Customized Training team truly valued the chance to connect with partners at the LEDA social event. These gatherings strengthen relationships, support workforce development, and help our community thrive.

06/17/2026

The International Fire Conference was held in Indianapolis in April 2026, but the sound of the bagpipes still sticks with you. In the American fire service, pipes aren’t just music — they’re heritage, mourning, and unity. A tradition carried from Irish and Scottish firefighters that still echoes through our ceremonies, our memories, and our brotherhood.

06/15/2026

🚓 Ever wonder what instructors are REALLY looking for during serpentine driving training? It’s not just about “not hitting cones.” There’s a whole skillset behind the drill — especially when you’re backing through it.
Here’s what they’re watching closely:
👉 Head and eye movement — Are you looking where you WANT the car to go, or staring at the cones you’re trying to avoid?
👉 Steering control — Smooth, deliberate inputs. No frantic hand-over-hand or last second corrections.
👉 Reverse mastery — Can you stay calm and steer correctly while backing through tight spaces?
👉 Spatial awareness — Knowing exactly where your wheels, bumper, and rear corners are at all times.
👉 Throttle and brake control — Smooth speed, no jerky acceleration, no panic braking.
👉 Mirror use — Checking both sides, staying aware, avoiding tunnel vision.
👉 Composure under pressure — A clipped cone isn’t a failure… losing your cool is.
Serpentine driving isn’t about speed — it’s about precision, awareness, and control. Master those, and the cones take care of themselves.

06/15/2026

This week’s small business class is all about finding the fuel to move your idea forward! Join Mike Collins of The Perfect Workday Company for The Treasure Chest: Finding the Funds to Finance Your Small Business. It's a practical online seminar exploring the many ways entrepreneurs can find funding to start or grow their business.

Two chances to attend:
Thursday, 06/18/26
2:00 PM OR 6:30 PM

Just getting started? Looking for resources to grow? Discover the funding options available and take the next step with confidence. Register today and find the treasure that can help fund your business journey!
www.tinyurl.com/sbcgcclasses

06/15/2026

The 2026 Apprenticeship 321 Advanced Manufacturing Summer Camp wrapped up an amazing four days of learning and exploration. Students visited three advanced manufacturing facilities and got hands on experience with drone flying, welding, CNC machining, robotics, and safety training. This program helps young people discover their strengths, build confidence, and learn about high demand career paths in our region. We’re grateful for the businesses and partners who made this experience possible. 👏 A huge shout out to our students for their enthusiasm and hard work.

06/11/2026

06/10/2026

Join Mike Collins with The Perfect Workday Company for the 3 remaining online class series:
Dynamite Marketing on a Firecracker Budget
Thursday, June 11, 2026,
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm - OR - 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

The Treasure Chest: Finding the Funds to Finance Your Business
Thursday, June 18, 2026,
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm - OR - 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Create a Winning Business Plan
Thursday, June 25, 2026,
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm - OR - 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

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Visit: https://www.ncsbc.net/center.aspx?center=75220 to register for a class.