JCC Receives $3.6 million Golden LEAF Foundation Grant to Prepare Workforce for Vulcan Elements

Advanced Manufacturing Training Facility in Four Oaks, NC. (Written by/JCC)

 

Johnston Community College (JCC) has received more than $3.6 million in Golden LEAF Foundation funding that will fuel a strategic partnership with Vulcan Elements, a cutting‐edge manufacturer of rare‐earth magnets. Vulcan Elements recently announced its intent to build a large‐scale manufacturing facility in Benson.

JCC will play a pivotal role by training new employees for Vulcan Elements at its newly established Advanced Manufacturing Training Facility in Four Oaks prior to the plant’s operational launch.

Vulcan Elements’ manufacturing investment, which will bring approximately 1,000 new jobs and an estimated $1 billion capital investment to the region.

Thanks to the Golden LEAF grant, JCC will procure and install advanced equipment and develop customized hands‐on training programs tailored to Vulcan’s unique manufacturing requirements. While initially focused on Vulcan’s workforce, the training infrastructure will also serve regional industry over the long term, enhancing the local workforce pipeline and strengthening the region’s competitiveness in advanced manufacturing.

“We are excited to partner with Vulcan Elements as they bring this transformative facility to Johnston County,” said JCC President Dr. Vern L. Lindquist. “This is not only a great opportunity for future employees, but a long-term win for our region. By embedding this training capability at JCC, we’re investing in a sustainable workforce infrastructure that will serve many employers in the years ahead.”

JCC will begin “train-the‐trainer” instruction in the summer of 2026, and ongoing production‐employee training under way from August 2026 through at least December 2030.