New Coastal Mapping Training Program for Local Students

On the Shoofly - August 2021

Pearl River Community College now offers students unique opportunities to train for rewarding high-tech hydrographic careers. 
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Above (l-r): Ryan Dodd, - Hydrographer, NVision Solutions, Inc. | Associate Professor, NOARC; Joel Lawhead – Vice President, Nvision Solutions, Inc. Associate Professor, NOARC; PRCC Students: Caleb Spence, Heather Dinger, Wesley Parker, Alex Moon, Billy Snowden; Raymunda Barnes- Assistant Vice President, PRCC

​A workforce development initiative with the National Oceans and Applications Research Center (NOARC) and the Pearl River Community College (PRCC) Hancock Campus was launched in early June 2021 to connect students to new jobs in autonomous coastal mapping and monitoring.
 
The special project class is navigating the maritime world of autonomous systems. NOARC and PRCC have signed a five-year Collaborative Applications Research Agreement to support this development initiative.

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 “There is a need for coastal mapping technicians, with experience in precision, unmanned environmental monitoring systems, and this is critical to new business opportunities on the Mississippi Gulf Coast,” said David Brannon, President of NOARC.
 

 
This course will help students acquire real-world experience that generates relevant, marketable skills. It will also allow potential employers who have full-time work requirements to be matched early with students during externships, internships, classroom instruction, and co-op programs.
 
These students will complete the program with in-demand experience on their resumes and providing business owners with trained, skilled employees.
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“Pearl River Community College is thrilled to partner with the NOARC leadership in offering this state-of-the-art program,” said Dr. Adam Breerwood, PRCC president.

“We will be the first college in the nation to offer a curriculum that combines maritime and aerial unmanned systems training. We work diligently to provide our students with the skills necessary to compete on a global stage. NOARC’s innovation and expertise are essential in this effort.”
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Coastal mapping technicians are in high demand. For instance, each new project targeted by the NOARC team will require one hydrographer and up to five hydrographic techs per project. 
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