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 828.766.1297.
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. Mayland SBC is 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.Mayland SBC also offers 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's Pre-College Programs department offers free programs for adult learners seeking to strengthen their academic abilities in reading, writing, mathematics, and basic computer skills. Courses focus on services that assist adults in building academic skills in order to earn a high school diploma, 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.
These free programs are designed for adults, but some programs are also available to students as young as sixteen years of age but only with notarized documentation from parents and from public/private/home school officials.
Classes are offered at various locations across MCC's three-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 Pre-College Programs area:
Learning Labs
The Learning Labs offer free day and evening classes for adults who wish to enhance their skills in reading, writing, or mathematics. Students may be interested in improving academic skills for any number of reasons, including preparing for the high school equivalency exams (GED® or HiSET®) or college placement tests or simply satisfying a personal goal.
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.
MCC operates three Learning Lab Centers - one on the Main Campus in Spruce Pine, one at the Avery Learning Center in Newland, and one at the Yancey Learning Center in Burnsville. Persons interested in enrolling or getting more information may call the following numbers
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 the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET®) and earn the North Carolina High School Equivalency Diploma. Classes are offered at no cost to students. For more information, call 828.766.1326.
GED®/HiSET® Testing Center
Mayland Community College offers the GED® Tests and the HiSET® exams at the Main Campus in Spruce Pine. 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. Call 828.766.1326 for more information.
Adult High School
The Adult High School program offers an opportunity for adults to complete the credits they missed in high school and earn an official high school diploma. All courses are offered free of charge. For more information, call 828.766.1326
Life Skills and Work Skills Academy
The Life Skills and Work Skills Academy programs are specifically designed to help adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities or similar barriers to improve employability skills and independent living skills. Life Skills classes help students build academic, social, and daily living skills in order to be more involved citizens and members of the community. The Work Skills Academy is focused on helping students prepare for entry into employment. Adult learners are provided a uniquely designed educational plan and learning environment to help them reach their goals. Call 828.766.1329 for more information.
ESL (English as a Second Language)
The English as a Second Language program offers classes focused on everyday life skills that enable the student to become a more successful member of society by learning the English language. Classes are offered for students at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels of English skills. Citizenship classes are offered upon request. For information about free ESL classes or how to enroll, call 828.766.1333
Economic and Workforce Development