College receives $493,000 in funding from Golden LEAF to launch Heavy-Duty Equipment Operator program
Randolph Community College (RCC) has been awarded $493,000 in funding from the Golden LEAF Foundation to establish a Heavy-Duty Equipment Operator program, reinforcing the College’s mission to deliver workforce-relevant education that meets the region’s evolving economic needs.
Launching in January 2026, the new Workforce Development program will offer hands-on training for in-demand careers in agriculture, construction, and infrastructure. A state-of-the-art classroom in the Continuing Education and Industrial Center (CEIC) will feature a heavy-equipment simulator that will also be used in existing programs like Agribusiness Technology, Electrical Systems, and Plumbing. Remodeling begins in July, and the simulator procurement is underway, with the possibility of relocating to the Applied Industrial Artificial Intelligence Center (AI2C) of North Carolina. Housed in a renovated main campus building, the AI2C will focus on advanced manufacturing, building trades, and agriculture.
“This investment is a powerful affirmation of RCC’s commitment to relevance, workforce readiness, and regional impact,” RCC President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan said. “We are not just preparing students for jobs — we are partnering with industry leaders and public schools to build a sustainable pipeline of local talent. This is what RCC 2.0 looks like: Relevant, Career-centered, and Committed. Our thanks to the Golden LEAF Foundation for believing in our vision.”
The idea for the Heavy-Duty Equipment Operator program originated from conversations with community leaders and local employers, as well as data from the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) 2025 Greensboro Region Labor Market Analysis Report which projected job openings in the region in careers using medium/specialized heavy equipment.
“The concept was originally proposed by Michael Somero, President of Ace Avant Concrete Construction, and Kevin Franklin, President of the Economic Development Corporation,” said Dr. Isaí Robledo, Dean of Workforce and Community Strategies at RCC. “Together, we engaged companies throughout Randolph County and heard overwhelming support. Importantly, we involved Asheboro City Schools, Randolph County School System, and Uwharrie Charter Academy to ensure high school students have a clear path to gain credentials and begin promising careers locally.”
This new offering will further strengthen RCC’s role as a catalyst for economic growth in Randolph County by aligning education with real workforce needs.
Golden LEAF awarded a total of $4.5 million in its June 2025 meeting to support job creation, workforce development, and disaster relief efforts across North Carolina. RCC’s $493,000 award was one of three projects funded through the Open Grants Program to support workforce preparedness.
Randolph Community College (RCC), under the leadership of President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan, is committed to providing relevant career training and educational opportunities. Ranked No. 1 in North Carolina by Niche.com and SmartAsset and second in the nation by SmartAsset, the College offers affordable degrees and short-term certificate programs that start throughout the year, both in person and online. To register for Fall or Winter 2025, call 336-633-0200 or click here. For more information, call 336-633-0200 and expect to engage with the most competent and compassionate team of faculty and staff.