Sampson Community College (SCC) is proud to announce the launch of a new Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Applied Engineering Technology, beginning Fall 2025. 

According to Dean of Applied Technologies Barney Grady, the program fills a regional skills gap that local employers have been voicing for years.

“The Applied Engineering Technology degree was created in direct response to a growing workforce gap in Sampson County and surrounding areas,” said Grady in a press release. “We’ve seen a 57% increase in Career and Technical Education enrollment since 2017. Industry partners like Hog Slat, Envia Biomass and Sampson County Schools have been clear—they need technicians who not only know how to work with their hands, but who can think critically, troubleshoot systems, and understand engineering principles.”

The program prepares students for careers such as engineering technician, process improvement specialist, and automation systems technician—fields that are increasingly central to industries like agricultural technology, food processing, and general manufacturing.

As the skilled trades evolve, so do expectations.

“Today’s technicians are expected to do more than just operate tools,” said Grady in a press release. “They must analyze systems, troubleshoot using data, and stay ahead of emerging technologies. This program is designed to build that kind of hybrid skill set.”

To accommodate both recent high school graduates and working adults, the Applied Engineering Technology degree offers a flexible, blended format. Online instruction is paired with on-campus lab experiences that use real-world equipment to simulate industry environments. Students will gain practical experience in safety procedures, physics, automation systems and electrical systems.

Sampson Community College designed the curriculum in close collaboration with area employers. Feedback from partners like Hog Slat emphasized the need for graduates ready to step into roles in quality assurance, maintenance and engineering support. Many partners have already committed to supporting the program through advisory board service and internship opportunities.

Enrollment is still open for the upcoming fall semester. For more information, visit sampsoncc.edu or contact the Admissions Office at admissions@samsponcc.edu. For more information about the Applied Engineering program contact the Applied Technologies division at 910-900-4130.