Certification Preparation
All certification programs are designed to provide knowledge and skills needed to successfully complete exams required by state and national organizations such as the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), North Carolina Office of Emergency Services (NCOEMS), to name a few.
The College offers many vocational, technical, and business courses through Occupational Extension. The primary objectives of these courses are to:
Training includes but is not limited to the following areas:
EMS/Fire and Service/Rescue training is offered for members of municipal, volunteer, and industrial fire, EMS, and Rescue organizations.
Health Occupations programs have been established for persons seeking additional medical, allied health, and nursing knowledge and skills. All levels of courses from paraprofessional to professional are offered.
Law Enforcement courses have been designed for upgrading both experienced and recently employed policemen, law enforcement officials, security personnel, and corrections personnel.
Technical courses are available for upgrading the knowledge and skills of persons working in the numerous technical and paraprofessional occupations.
Vocational Upgrading courses are designed for persons working in skilled and semi-skilled occupations. For more information contact the Avery Learning Center at 828.733.5883; the Yancey Learning Center at 828.682.7315; or the Main Campus Continuing Education Department at 828.766.1207.
Industry Training/Customized Training Program
The Customized Training Program supports the economic development efforts of the state by providing education and training opportunities for eligible businesses and industries.
The purpose of the Customized Training Program is to provide customized training assistance in support of full-time production and direct customer service positions created in the State of North Carolina, thereby enhancing the growth potential of companies located in the state while simultaneously preparing North Carolina’s workforce with the skills essential to successful employment in emerging industries.
In order to receive assistance, eligible businesses and industries must demonstrate two (2) or more of the following criteria:
Resources may support training assessment, instructional design, instructional costs, and training delivery for personnel involved in the direct production of goods and services. Production and technology support positions are also eligible for training support. For more information call the Customized Training Office at 828.766.1297.
Career Development/ Human Resources Development Program (HRD)
The HRD Program at MCC is designed to provide employment skills training to unemployed and underemployed adults.
HRD classes are designed to help the student become his or her best self by addressing six (6) core components:
Tuition may be waived if a student is unemployed, has received notice of a layoff, or meets state income guidelines.
For more information, please call the HRD office at 828.766.1293.
Small Business Center (SBC)
The SBC, located on the Main Campus, is an educational resource center for existing and prospective small business owners and managers. The mission of the SBC is to help increase the success rate and number of small businesses in Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey counties. We are part of a network of fifty- eight (58) centers, one at each community college in North Carolina. Private and confidential business counseling is available for clients who want to start or expand a business or strengthen their existing businesses. We also offer seminars on how to start a business, how to finance a business, how to write a business plan, marketing and advertising for businesses, and basic bookkeeping and taxes. These seminars are offered at the Main Campus and at the Avery and Yancey Learning Centers. In addition to these seminars, other classes and workshops of interest to the business community are also offered each semester at the Main Campus, Avery Learning Center, and Yancey Learning Center.
The SBC provides referral services for local, state, or federal programs and agencies, as well as other organizations that can assist a small business. The SBC also maintains a special collection of books, videos, and software useful to the small business owner or those who are interested in starting their own business. This collection is located in the College's Learning Resource Center (LRC). The materials may be checked out by the general public with a MCC library card.
For more information, please call the SBC office at 828.766.1295.
Pre-College/GED/ESL
Mayland Community College’s Adult Education Program offers free instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, basic computer skills, and other subjects to adults seeking to strengthen their academic abilities. These services are available to students eighteen (18) years of age or older, or for students as young as sixteen (16) with notarized documentation from parents and public/private/home school officials. The program focuses on services that assist adults in building academic skills in order to obtain jobs and promotions, become more effective role models for their children, exercise the responsibilities of citizenship, and seek further educational and/or training opportunities, including earning a high school equivalency.
Adult Education classes are offered at various locations across MCC’s three (3)-county area during morning, afternoon, and evening hours, and students may enroll in most classes at any time during the year.
For more information about any of MCC’s Adult Education classes, call 828.766.1208.
The following sections offer specific descriptions of educational offerings within the Adult Education/Basic Skills Program.
Learning Labs
The MCC Learning Labs assist adults who wish to enhance their skills in reading, writing, mathematics, or computers. Students may be interested in improving academic skills for any number of reasons, including preparing for college placement or job readiness exams, becoming more effective teachers for their children, or simply satisfying a personal goal.
MCC operates four (3) Learning Lab Centers—one (1) on the Main Campus as well as one (1) at the Avery Learning Center in Newland, and one (1) at the Yancey Learning Centers in Burnsville. Persons interested in enrolling or getting more information may call the following numbers.
Adult Literacy
Specialized services are available for adults who wish to learn to read or read better, or to learn basic math and writing skills. An individualized educational plan is designed for each student, utilizing materials intended for adult learners. Anyone interested in finding out more information may call the Mayland Literacy Line at 828. 766.1333.
High School Equivalency
The High School Equivalency Program helps prepare adults who have not received a high school diploma to successfully complete the tests of General Educational Development (GED®) or to earn an Adult High School Diploma. High School Equivalency classes are offered at no cost to students at the main campus, the Avery and Yancey Learning Centers, and at various other locations throughout MCC’s three (3)-county service area.
The Adult Education program also works hand in hand with industry leaders to schedule classes at industry sites for employees preparing to meet the technical requirements of today’s demanding workplace. In addition to offering employees an opportunity to earn the Adult High School Diploma or GED® Diploma, these courses provide employers with job-specific curricula needed for specialized training. Adequate student enrollment is necessary for workplace classes to be scheduled.
Mayland Community College offers official GED® testing at the Main Campus. The NC fee for each of the four (4) GED® tests is currently $20.00 per test. GED® tests are administered by appointment only, and an official, government-issued photo identification (such as a driver’s license or passport), is required at each testing session. Please call 828.766.1208 for more information.
Life Skills Program
The Life Skills Program is designed for adults who are interested in improving independent living and daily survival skills. Some students served in this program are developmentally disabled adults or those with other disabilities, but any adult student who may benefit from course content may apply. The role of the Life Skills Program is to help each student develop work, social, academic, and independent living skills in order to fulfill his or her potential as a citizen and member of the community. These adult learners are provided a uniquely designed educational plan and learning environment to help them reach their goals. The Adult Education Program welcomes inquiries from interested families at 828.766.1321.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESL) Program
The English as a Second Language Program offers classes that stress everyday life skills that enable the student to become a functioning member of society by learning the English language. Classes are offered at locations across Mitchell, Avery, and Yancey counties for students at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels of English skills. Citizenship classes are offered upon request. For information about the free ESL classes currently being offered throughout the Tri-County area, interested students may call 828.766.1333.
Career College
Career College is a program geared to assist Occupational Course of Study (OCS) graduates or other appropriate adult students with persistent obstacles to employment to receive training for entry into the workforce. This entry-level program provides a foundation for transitioning into the workplace or into additional work-oriented coursework. Students further develop reading, math, and computer skills along with life and employability skills. Coursework focuses on the development of academic skills, job-specific skills, communication skills, and career exploration. Applicants must be eighteen years of age and must be referred from a public school OCS teacher, EC teacher, transition coordinator, vocational rehabilitation, community-based agency, or similar resource. Interested parties may call 828.766.1321 for more information.
Economic and Workforce Development