Did you know that Wilson Community College (WCC), in partnership with Watson Electrical Construction Co., has the only traffic signal training center in North Carolina?
WCC has partnered with Watson Electrical Construction Co. LLC (WECC) to offer a training program designed to provide skills for workers in the Integrated Transportation Systems (ITS) field. The ITS field involves dynamic message systems, fiber optic communications, cellular communications, closed-circuit TV cameras, central command centers, traffic signals, and traffic signal control boxes.
Watson Electrical approached the College with a need for workers skilled in the installation and maintenance of traffic signal systems. To provide this training, WCC suggested the Motors and Controls certificate program, a 12-hour program that can be completed in two to four semesters. The certificate provides coursework in DC/AC Electricity, Motors and Controls, the National Electric Code, and Diagrams and Schematics. The courses for the program will incorporate content on traffic signal systems, including hands-on installation of these systems.
The program is unique in North Carolina, only being offered in Wilson. “This is an excellent partnership that will provide job opportunities for our electrical systems technology diploma and certificate graduates,” said WCC Dean of Industrial Technologies Margie Norfleet. The Traffic Control Division of Watson Electrical has provided the College with a functional traffic signal system that was recently installed at the Lee Technology Center of the College. The system consists of a signal control box, traffic signal, poles, signal head, and a Walk/Don’t Walk pedestrian head.
Upon completion of the certificate, students are GUARANTEED an interview with WECC. Hiring requirements include a valid NC driver’s license, meeting the NC State requirement to obtain a NC Commercial Driver’s License, and meeting the standard employment requirement of WECC. Students who are hired with the Motors and Controls certificate will experience faster career advancement. “We believe in investing in our employees through training and career advancement. When we started developing the Motors and Controls certificate program, we wanted to put in place an education incentive for those graduates that join our team. This program is designed to help offset the education cost of the three specific Traffic Signal classes taken at WCC. Our goal is to not only reduce the overall cost to the graduate but to also provide a solid foundation for a rewarding career with our company,” said David Garren, Vice President Human Resources, WECC.
For more information about the Motors and Controls Certificate program at Wilson Community College, contact Royce Jones, Electrical System Technology Instructor, at (252) 246-1238 • mj2198@wilsoncc.edu or Margie Norfleet, Dean of Industrial Technologies, at (252) 246-1210 • mnorfleet@wilsoncc.edu.
As always, we are proud to be YOUR community college!
The Foundation was organized in 1981 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and has an 18-member Board. The Foundation exists to ensure that the College is able to provide a quality education at an affordable cost and to reduce the financial barriers to higher education. We provide scholarship assistance for tuition and other fees to about 120 students each year. These may be awarded based on achievement, talent, or need.
This year, the Foundation is holding its first ever Wilson Community College Scholarship Invitational Golf Tournament to raise money for student scholarships. We would love to have as much support as possible! If you like to golf or know someone who does, we would love to have you join us at Wedgewood Golf Course on Thursday, August 22, 2019 at 1 pm. Or, if you would like to become a sponsor, let us know! To read more about the tournament and sponsorship opportunities, please visit 
Join the SGA for Summer MiniFest Wednesday, June 12 from noon – 2 PM on the building G lawn & the Campus Bistro. There will be Pelican’s SnoBalls, pizza, a photo booth, music, games and more!
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