Outdoor Training Facility

HCC cuts ribbon on Outdoor Workforce Training Facility

Friday, September 24, 2026

(Clyde, NC) – Haywood Community College recently cut the ribbon on the new Outdoor Workforce Training facility that will be an integral part of numerous educational programs offered at the college. Programs using this new facility include the Truck Driving program (CDL), Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET), Line Worker program, and other courses that require a large area to practice specialty maneuvers or additional space not available elsewhere at HCC or in Haywood County.

attendees at ribbon cutting event cutting ribbon in front of cdl trucks “This unique training space is the result of a vision to offer something that did not exist in Haywood County. A large, open, unobstructed space where instruction could be offered to meet the specific certification requirements for a variety of programs which are all vital to prepare the workforce in our region across several sectors.” Shared Dr. Shelley White, President of HCC.

The dedicated space at the facility features pole locations around the perimeter that can be reconfigured as the line worker curriculum demands. The large, paved pad area provides space for truck drivers to practice driving, parking, and use of a mock loading dock. The 500-foot straight driving path meets the specifications required for BLET training needs and the covered outdoor pavilion allows a shaded area and restroom facilities for classroom work or practicum debriefs right on site.

This facility was made possible due to the collective efforts of numerous partnerships such as the Golden LEAF Foundation, Duke Energy, Haywood EMC, and Haywood County. With financial and community support from these partners and other state funding, this $2.5 million dollar investment builds the future of the region’s workforce.

In addition to funding partners, there were many other involved businesses that helped design and build this project. MPS Architecture led the design, Civil Design Concepts handled the civil engineering, and FAMA Structural Engineering handled the structural engineering. With Appalachian Siteworks as general contractor and HCC’s own team also completing some of the work, this facility is now ready for class use.

The ribbon cutting welcomed many community partners and HCC representatives to the podium to share support and their connection to the new facility. These speakers included: Dr. Shelley White, President of HCC, Tammy McDowell, HCC Board of Trustees Chair, Scott Hamilton, President & CEO of Golden LEAF Foundation, Kevin Ensley, Haywood County Board of Commissioners Chair, Dr. Wendy Hines, HCC EVP of Instruction and Student Services, and Brek Lanning, HCC VP of Infrastructure, Operations, and Technology.

At the event, EVP of Instruction and Student Services, Dr. Wendy Hines shared with the crowd “Today, we aren’t simply cutting a ribbon, we are opening the door to new careers, new opportunities, and a stronger workforce for Haywood County and Western North Carolina.”