CFCC Partners with SME to Strengthen Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Pipeline
Wilmington, NC (November 11, 2026) – Cape Fear Community College is expanding its efforts to prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing through a new partnership with SME, a national organization dedicated to strengthening the manufacturing industry.
As an SME Manufacturing Imperative partner, CFCC joins a nationwide initiative aimed at helping at least 75,000 individuals secure family-sustaining manufacturing careers, with a projected $6 billion economic impact. The initiative brings together colleges, employers, and workforce organizations to address critical talent shortages and strengthen the future of American manufacturing.
CFCC will officially launch its participation in the SME Manufacturing Imperative – Workforce Pipeline Coalition following its Advanced Manufacturing Expo on Thursday, Nov. 19, at the North Campus.
“Welcoming Cape Fear Community College to the MI-WPC network marks an important step in expanding our efforts to strengthen the nation’s manufacturing workforce,” said Elizabeth Hibner, MI-WPC Program Lead, SME. “By bringing educators, community members and local manufacturers together, we can better align training programs with industry needs, create meaningful career pathways and help build a sustainable pipeline of skilled talent.”
A key component of the partnership is the launch of CFCC’s Certified Manufacturing Associate program in January 2027. The program will introduce students to fundamental manufacturing concepts, including technical mathematics, precision measurement, engineering graphics, and workplace safety.
“Our goal is to create more than a pathway into manufacturing,” said Stephen O’Neil, CFCC Department Chair of Advanced Manufacturing. “We want to build lasting connections between our students, industry partners, and the career opportunities available throughout our region. This partnership gives us another valuable tool to accomplish that.”
The initiative builds upon CFCC’s active SME student chapter and its eight Advanced Manufacturing programs: Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electronics Engineering Technology, Mechatronics Engineering Technology, Computer Integrated Machining, Welding Technology, Nuclear Technology, Chemical Technology, and Biotechnology.
Registration is open for January’s Certified Manufacturing Associate program. Learn more at https://cfcc-register.fundfive.com/filtered/course/manufacturing
