Coastal Carolina Community College Partners with LIFT’s Operation Next Program to Train Transitioning Soldiers, Military Spouses and Veterans for Careers in Advanced Manufacturing

Jacksonville, NC. – LIFT, the Detroit-based, Department of Defense national manufacturing innovation institute, and Coastal Community College (CCCC) have announced a partnership to provide free training & national certifications to transitioning service members, National Guard, Army Reserves, and their families for careers in advanced manufacturing through LIFT’s Operation Next initiative.  The program has recently expanded to serve veterans as well.

Each year 200,000 service members transition out of the military across the nation, Operation Next provides training and certification so those transitioning will be able to fill critical high-skill high-wage career positions in advanced manufacturing at locations across the nation.

Through LIFT and the Department of Defense, Operation Next provides an accelerated-hybrid training program that combines online education with hands-on training to earn credentials for in-demand careers in advanced manufacturing. CCCC will train students for Welding certifications. CCCC is conveniently located near Marine Corps Air Station New River and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Operation Next. Our partnership is built upon a mutual commitment to not only providing quality workforce development training but also ensuring transitioning service members or veterans earn industry-recognized credentials that will prepare them for careers in highly skilled fields like welding,” said Ashley Gurganus, Division Chair for Continuing Education, Coastal Carolina Community College.

“Partnerships like these are critical for Operation Next to realize the nationwide impact the program is designed to accomplish and provide opportunities for our service members and their families,” said Marianne Donoghue, Senior Director, Talent Programs, LIFT. “We greatly welcome the opportunity to work with Coastal Carolina Community College to bring Operation Next to North Carolina and help eligible service members begin their advanced manufacturing careers.”

Operation Next is currently training eligible military, family members, and veterans at 14 locations across the continental United States and Puerto Rico. It is estimated that nearly 2 million advanced manufacturing workers will be needed to fill vacant positions in the U.S. by 2028.