Lt. Gen. Gregory Anderson, commanding general of the 18th Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, visited Fayetteville Technical Community College on Wednesday, March 26.

Anderson, who assumed command in December, took his first official tour of FTCC’s Fayetteville Campus making stops at several classrooms and training programs to speak with FTCC faculty and students. “I’m a huge believer in creating synergy between the installation, soldiers, and families with the local community, particularly the local colleges,” Anderson said in a press release.

FTCC and Fort Bragg have a longstanding relationship designed to foster education and workforce initiatives that provide career-focused pathways leading to success for active-duty military service members, Veterans and their families. Military and military dependent students make up approximately one third of FTCC’s total enrollment.

Anderson’s campus tour included visiting several programs that boast large numbers of military-connected students, including the cybersecurity and data labeling labs, Welding, Computer-Integrated Machining, Industrial Systems and HVAC programs. FTCC President Dr. Mark Sorrells highlighted each area's focus on providing both short-term workforce certifications and degree programs aligned with labor market needs in high-demand business sectors. These and other programs available at FTCC are matched with the varying interests of students to prepare active duty, Veterans and military dependents or soldiers transitioning from the military for employment on base or in the public or private workforce sectors.

“Our job is to be flexible and nimble to meet the workforce needs of our public and private sector partners,” Sorrells said in a press release. “Fort Bragg is a strategic partner of FTCC. We take pride in being flexible and our ability to pivot quickly to meet the evolving needs of our partner organizations. We are pleased to be working in concert with Fort Bragg and the U.S. Army to train a future-ready workforce aimed at strengthening our national security posture, assisting with the development of cutting-edge innovations to prepare and increase safety for our soldiers and equipping those transitioning from the military with credentials and skills for good paying jobs.”

FTCC offers a wide range of classes, and its programs are available in a variety of settings, including on FTCC’s campuses, at Fort Bragg and online to support flexible schedules. FTCC awards appropriate credit for prior military learning and follows up with comprehensive services to meet the unique educational needs of military-connected students.

FTCC’s All American Veterans Center, which is located on its Fayetteville campus, provides educational assistance and support services to veterans. The College’s Transition Tech program provides industry-focused and connected training in a number of career pathways for military members who are preparing for civilian life. These programs prepare students with industry recognized certifications and are connected with employers that are seeking candidates to fill positions in high-demand sectors in transportation, automotive collision and repair, biotechnology, manufacturing, utilities and others.  Additionally, FTCC has full-time staff located at Bragg Training and Education Center on Fort Bragg to assist active duty soldiers with attending college.