HIGH POINT, N.C. (WGHP) — The Toyota plant is getting ready to open, and people in the Piedmont Triad are working to get the training they need to apply for the high-paying jobs.

Eleven people in the Triad are getting ready to complete training for advanced manufacturing through the program organized by Reading Connections, a local nonprofit. The instructor shares that what he’s watching for is how well students follow directions because that’s what employers are going to look for. 

“The ability to solve a problem is what really matters,” said Forge Greensboro Instructor Art Close.

Close has been helping with the 10-week training program through Reading Connections. 

“This is like a pre-apprenticeship, so this is the idea of ‘I can try a few things out. See what I’m really interested in. Learn basics of tools,’” said Close.

Close says students also learn to follow directions.

“So the boss is gonna say, ‘I want this done and here’s the procedure and this is what the finished product should look like,’” said Close.

Close worked with Rosel Reyes to get hands-on experience. 

“I showed that there are some of them that, if you’re not careful, the end of the wood will splinter but, if I take another step, I can make a perfect hole through there that doesn’t splinter but I have to have a backing on that,” said Close.

That’s just one example of the many techniques and procedures students are learning through this program.

The overall idea is to learn how to work with their hands. 

“When I started the classes I was trying to improve my skills to be a better candidate to get a job and then I got a job in the process, but I’m still going through this class because I think it’s very important to me to upgrade those skills,” said Reyes.

After this, 11 candidates will go into the workforce with skills and the opportunity for competitive pay. 

“The need in this area for advanced manufacturing skills is going to be terrific as we see with Toyota coming in, we have Honda Jet, we have Hayco, we have people who are using really impressive skill sets that don’t need a college education. What they need is time and experience actually working with their hands,” said Close.

“With demand that does create competitive wages because there’s all of these companies are competing for the same people,” said Reading Connection Director of Workforce Development Barbie Patterson.

The next 10-week training will begin the first week of February. Visit the Reading Connections website to learn more.