Members of Montagnard community obtain skilled trade certifications
Dr. John Chen congratulates a recent graduate of the Skilled Trade Certificate Program at CPCC.
CHARLOTTE, NC—A vital strategy for uniting and uplifting the diverse Asian community is addressing economic well-being, particularly among underserved groups. In alignment with the Carolinas Asian American Chamber of Commerce’s in-person small business education series, we have made it a priority to facilitate vocational training for young adults in these communities.
What began as a pilot project in 2022 with the Myanmar community has now evolved into a full-scale initiative. In 2024, we officially launched the program, partnering with Central Piedmont Community College and the Urban League to enroll trainees from the Montagnard community in skilled trade certification programs for HVAC and electrical line service. The results speak for themselves— all six participants successfully completed their courses, and a growing list of qualified candidates is ready to take the next step.
Looking ahead to 2025, we anticipate welcoming participants from additional Asian communities. Simultaneously, we are expanding our efforts to address critical health and social service challenges faced by seniors in these communities due to language and procedural barriers. This initiative is more than just vocational training—it is a pathway to economic empowerment, community cohesion, and lasting change.
