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Hanover Research | December 2017 <br /> © 2017 Hanover Research 11 <br /> <br />BIOTECHNOLOGY <br />Although there is not currently high demand, there may be demand in the future for <br />individuals trained to work in biotechnology, biomedicine, or biopharmaceutical laboratories <br />in Orange County. Steve Brantley, who directs the Orange County Economic Development <br />department, suggested that the proximity to the Research Triangle could attract companies <br />conducting research or testing in such areas. Durham Tech’s existing Bioworks certificate and <br />Biotechnology continuing education programs could help meet future demand in this area.25 <br /> <br />CULINARY ARTS <br />There may be demand for a culinary arts program at Durham Tech’s Orange County campus, <br />based on comments from two int erview participants. Durham Tech currently offers relevant <br />programs at its main campus.26 Strickler at UNC Health Care mentioned that the organization <br />hires associate’s degree -holding workers in food operations, and there may be additional <br />demand from local restaurants. Bassett (Chapel Hill) also indicated that culinary arts i s an <br />opportunity for Durham Tech to meet local needs. Aramark Food Services is one of the largest <br />employers in Orange County . Further, by a variety of measure s, food services and related <br />industries constitute one of the largest segments of the Orange County economy.27 <br /> <br />CONSTRUCTION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAD ES <br />Although the level of immediate need is unclear, several participants mentioned that Durham <br />Tech could help train industrial workers in Orange County, as it does through its main <br />campus.28 Carrillo told Hanover that “we don’t have enough” electricians, p lumbers, <br />carpenters, and HVAC technicians in the region. Strickler similarly mentioned that UNC Health <br />Care hires its own electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians, and Durham Tech could help <br />to train such workers. Jacobs (Orange County) thought it woul d be beneficial for workers in <br />these areas to develop expertise on sustainable buildings and technology. <br /> <br />LOGISTICS AND PROJECT M ANAGEMENT <br />Some participants mentioned programs related to logistics, warehouses, and supply chain <br />management. Such programs are apparently common in surrounding areas, but Orange <br />County may not currently have demand for such programs. Although there is no immediate <br />demand for training in these fields, future growth in the area may bring new needs. Carrillo <br />mentioned a particular need for project management training for electrical engineers. <br /> <br />WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND READINESS <br />Local employers expressed interest in more robust workforce development training, <br />particularly interview and job preparation. At its main campus, Durham Tech currently offers <br /> <br />25 “Biotechnology Continuing Education.” Durham Tech. https://www.durhamtech.edu/noncredit/biotechnol ogy.htm <br />26 “Culinary Arts and Hospitality.” Durham Tech. https://www.durhamtech.edu/noncredit/culinary.htm <br />27 “2017 State of the Community Report,” Op. cit. 104-107. <br />28 “Construction and Industrial Trades.” Durham Tech. https://www.durhamtech.edu/noncredit/construction.htm