Brunswick Community College is expanding workforce training opportunities in southeastern North Carolina with a $600,000 grant to launch a new Heavy Equipment Operator Training Program in partnership with Southeastern Community College.
The program is set to launch in January 2027, with training focused on the practical skills and knowledge needed to operate heavy equipment in construction and other related fields.
The $600,000 award comes through the North Carolina Community College System’s 2026 High-Cost Workforce Start-Up Grant initiative. The BCC and SCC partnership is one of only two proposals recommended for funding statewide, recognizing the colleges’ collaborative approach to workforce training.
“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.”
Through the partnership, BCC and SCC will bring together resources and expertise to build a sustainable training program that supports students and meets workforce needs across southeastern North Carolina. The initiative will help prepare students for opportunities in industries that rely on skilled heavy equipment operators.
By investing in hands-on training, BCC and SCC are helping create new pathways for students to build skills, pursue in-demand careers and contribute to the region’s growing workforce. As the January 2027 launch approaches, the colleges will share additional information about the program and how students can get involved.
October 2026