Members of the Board of Trustees at Sandhills Community College unanimously voted on Aug. 4 to approve leasing a new workforce trades building in Raeford to support the community's interest in filling skilled trades positions in Hoke County for area businesses. The first two courses launching this fall will be Small Engine Repair and Electrical Level 1. The Sandhills Community College Workforce Trades Building - Hoke will be located at 2550 Aberdeen Road, Raeford, NC, just west of Raeford.
"We listened to our business partners in the community and are excited to help fill demand in the skilled trades that are needed in the community," said President Alexander "Sandy" Stewart. "We're excited to set up a shop for small engine repair and electrical work to get things rolling with hands-on training for these high-demand positions. The location is ideal and fitted for exactly what we need to teach these desirable skills."
The new facility is an extension of the college's Hoke Center campus at 1110 East Central Avenue in Raeford, also home to SandHoke Early College High School.
"Extending our skilled trades training offerings in Hoke County is an effort our team has been working on with the support of community leaders, schools and area businesses," said Vice Provost Michelle Bauer. "Residents in the area are looking to gain or upskill their talent and land positions in the community where they can stay local and contribute their skills for a meaningful life."
The Small Engine Repair course will include learning the skills to become a small engine mechanic, including the disassembly, inspection, cleaning and repair of small engines. The Electrical Level 1 course introduces students to the electrical trade, safety, circuits and residential electrical services, among other topics. Students will receive hands-on training in the electrical trade and earn nationally recognized credentials that employers are seeking in today's workforce.
Class offerings and registration details will be announced soon on the Sandhills Community College website and through media outlets, with courses anticipated to begin around Sept. 14, 2026. Additional classes are expected to include welding and HVAC.