Pitt Community College Powers Greenville’s Workforce Growth through Industry Partnerships

Pitt Community College Powers Greenville’s Workforce Growth through Industry Partnerships
by Maria Satira, Greenville ENC Alliance

Pitt Community College (PCC) is redefining how education connects to opportunity in Greenville-Pitt County by sharpening its focus on workforce development and industry responsiveness. These efforts are ensuring new and existing industries have the skilled talent they need to thrive.

“We wanted to become nimbler when responding to industry needs,” said Uconda Dunn, PCC’s Vice President of Business and Workforce Solutions. “It was essential to have a department that really just focused on workforce development and how we can quickly address company needs.”

That vision comes to life through a robust division of 12 full-time and four part-time employees, encompassing apprenticeships, human resource development, small-business support, career services, customized training, and biotechnology instruction. The college’s workforce programming has become a cornerstone for companies across eastern North Carolina, offering both entry-level training and advanced technical skill development.

One of PCC’s flagship initiatives is the BioWork Certificate Program, a 12-week pathway that blends classroom learning with employability skills. The program’s success has attracted strong industry support, particularly from Thermo Fisher Scientific, which guarantees interviews for all program graduates.

“Someone coming out of that program can start anywhere between $25 and $28 an hour—with just 12 weeks of prep,” Dunn said. “It prepares them for careers in the biotech, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries that are thriving right here in Greenville-Pitt County.”

Beyond life sciences, PCC plays a vital role in the region’s emerging advanced-manufacturing sector. When Boviet Solar announced its 900-job solar panel manufacturing facility in Greenville, PCC stepped up as a critical workforce partner. The college designed customized training and leadership development programs to meet Boviet Solar’s ambitious hiring and expansion goals. Boviet Solar’s Phase II Greenville PV Cell Facility is expected to be completed and begin mass production in the second half of 2026, creating up to 900 additional skilled local jobs.

“Boviet Solar has been at the forefront of helping us implement the model we want with all companies—bringing industry right into the classroom, and taking our students right into their facility,” Dunn said. “They really wanted to be a community partner and hire local as much as possible—and that’s exactly what we’re helping them do.”

So far, more than 200 employees at Boviet Solar have participated in customized training, with instruction delivered directly at the company’s Greenville site.

“Our experience partnering with Pitt Community College has been exceptional. Their team is flexible, responsive, and genuinely invested in supporting local industry,” said Ingrid Hall, Human Resources Specialist for Training with Boviet Solar. “They’ve made it easy to coordinate the technical and soft-skills training that strengthens both our operations and our workplace culture.”

PCC’s mobile training units, along with on-site instruction, make it possible to reach workers without interrupting production schedules, offering flexibility and real-time learning.

“Through PCC, we’ve also been able to connect with local trainers, creating a truly symbiotic relationship that benefits both our employees and the broader community. We’re excited to continue building on this partnership,” added Hall.

Looking ahead, PCC and Boviet Solar are developing a program that will allow students to “earn while they learn,” combining paid work experience with classroom instruction.

“Our next step is to place an apprenticeship program,” Dunn explained. “Students will earn while they learn, and when they’re done, they’ll have both an associate degree and a journeyman certification.”

These partnerships are supported through North Carolina’s Customized Training Program, a statewide initiative that funds training for companies making major investments or hiring new employees. PCC administers the training and draws down funds to reimburse costs, ensuring that both the college and its industry partners benefit from shared growth.

“Customized training money is earmarked specifically for workforce development,” Dunn said. “It’s an investment in our people and in the companies that call Greenville home.”

From biotechnology to clean energy manufacturing and much more in between, Pitt Community College’s approach is helping to power the next generation of skilled talent and reinforcing Greenville-Pitt County’s reputation as an innovation-driven hub for advanced industry.

Boviet Solar looks forward to working with PCC to continue expanding its technical and clean energy curriculum. The college’s ability to stay ahead of evolving technology will be critical to sustaining Greenville’s growth as a regional clean energy hub. Boviet Solar hopes PCC will implement additional programs in automation and advanced manufacturing; quality systems; material science and solar-specific technology; maintenance, reliability, and equipment support; and sustainability and environmental management.

“Partnerships with institutions like Pitt Community College are absolutely essential to Greenville-Pitt County’s economic growth,” said Josh Lewis, president and CEO of the Greenville ENC Alliance. “PCC’s responsiveness, innovation, and deep commitment to industry help ensure that companies coming here and those expanding here have the skilled workforce they need to succeed. Their ability to align training with real employer demand strengthens our community, supports local families, and makes our region a premier destination for advanced industry.”

As Greenville-Pitt County continues to attract major employers and expand its innovation-driven economy, PCC’s role becomes even more critical. The college is not only preparing individuals for high-quality careers—it is also helping companies build long-term workforce pipelines that fuel stability and growth. By listening closely to industry needs and remaining agile, PCC is setting a regional standard for how community colleges can drive economic competitiveness.

“Our goal is to create pathways that genuinely change lives,” Dunn said. “When education, industry, and community align, we’re able to open doors for students while helping employers grow. And that’s the heart of what workforce development should be.”

With new partnerships emerging and a strong emphasis on aligning education with real-world demands, PCC is positioning Greenville-Pitt County for sustained success. Its efforts ensure that both residents and employers have access to the tools, training, and talent necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving economy. The strength of these collaborations underscores a shared commitment across the community to build a workforce ecosystem where innovation flourishes, businesses excel, and opportunity is accessible to all.