Paul D. Camp Community College was among the honorees at the Opportunity Inc. annual meeting and Workforce Innovation Awards event held recently in Chesapeake.

The educational honor, presented by Tidewater Community College President Edna Baehre-Kolovani, was awarded to Paul D. Camp for its “lasting impact in its industry, through efforts to strengthen Hampton Roads’ workforce,” according to Opportunity Inc.

PDCCC President Dan Lufkin, Vice President for Workforce Development Renee Felts and Director of Workforce Development Angela Lawhorne attended the event.

“I have shared my vision of making PDCCC the region’s first choice for postsecondary education and occupational/technical training,” Lufkin said.

“One aspect of this is creating needed programs that put our students to work, in addition to providing our business/industry partners with skilled workers. We are proud of our collaborations with community and business stakeholders and will continue to enhance these relationships.”

The creation of a partnership with Shipper’s Choice in Suffolk has allowed the college to offer truck-driver training, preparing students to test for commercial driver’s license. The school also has established a new industrial maintenance electrical and instrumentation lab, also taught at the Hobbs Suffolk Campus.

Programs also have been expanded and created for the college’s Franklin campus and the center in Smithfield.

“Feedback from advisory committee members assists us in our training,” Felts said. “Our workforce center also has individuals serving on Career and Technical Education committees at all three local school divisions.”

In addition, the college works alongside local economic development teams to monitor current and future business needs.

“We are committed to creating portable, stackable credentials for in-demand jobs by offering relevant curriculum and programs,” Lawhorne said. “For a small college, it is an honor to know that we are making a difference in our community and changing lives.”