Brunswick Community College (BCC) has been awarded a $600,000 grant in partnership with Southeastern Community College (SCC) to establish a new Heavy Equipment Operator Training Program, expanding opportunities for students to prepare for high-demand careers in construction and related industries.
Awarded through the North Carolina Community College System’s 2026 High-Cost Workforce Start-Up Grant initiative, the funding supports a regional training partnership that is one of only two recommended for funding statewide.
Scheduled to begin in January 2027, the new program will provide students with opportunities to develop the practical skills and industry knowledge needed to pursue careers in heavy equipment operation, site construction, and related fields.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for our students,” said Dr. Gene Smith, President of Brunswick Community College. “Heavy equipment operators play an essential role in construction and infrastructure development. This program will give students the hands-on training they need to enter a high-demand field and build rewarding careers close to home. We are grateful to the North Carolina Community College System for this investment and to Southeastern Community College for partnering with us to make the most of this opportunity for our region.”
The grant brings BCC and Southeastern Community College together to develop a regional approach to heavy equipment operator training. By sharing resources and expertise, the colleges can make the most of this investment and build a sustainable program that serves students, employers, and communities throughout southeastern North Carolina.
Additional information about the Heavy Equipment Operator Training Program, including enrollment details, will be announced as the January 2027 launch approaches.
For more information contact BCC OneStop Student Services at (910) 755-7320 or onestop@brunswickcc.edu.October 2026