This press release reports EON Reality partners with Navigator Development Group and Fayetteville Technical Community College to open an Interactive Digital Center (IDC) in North Carolina that will not only graduate disabled American veterans but provide exceptional capabilities in the development of a simulation-based learning curriculum that supports local industry as well as the newly created All American Defense corridor that surrounds Fort Bragg, N.C. From the press release: "What began as three separate strategies: Advanced visualization, curriculum development and a commitment to put wounded warriors back to work, has turned into a significant rural workforce development opportunity.
EON Reality Inc. of Irvine, Calif., Navigator Development Group Inc. of Enterprise, Ala., and Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) announced an agreement to create an Interactive Digital Center (IDC) in Fayetteville, N.C. The charter of the FTCC IDC is to develop a self-sustaining center of excellence that will not only graduate disabled American veterans but provide exceptional capabilities in the development of a simulation-based learning curriculum that supports local industry as well as the newly created All American Defense corridor that surrounds Fort Bragg, N.C.
The $1.4 million agreement will establish and implement a workforce development infrastructure while leveraging interactive 3D technology for local economic development opportunities. The IDC is part of a global IDC consortium of which EON Reality and Navigator are members along with Hewlett Packard, Christie Digital, NVidia and Microsoft. The consortium, founded to assist organizations and schools by providing the technology and expertise needed to equip the institutions to graduate a new generation of simulation professionals, will provide more than $4 million worth of equipment to FTCC for the creation of its IDC.
The global 3D market is an estimated $77 billion industry, however there is a dearth of skilled workers. “FTCC is leading a growing trend in 3D technology,” Sean O’Brien, VP Business Development, EON Reality. “What better way to take the enthusiasm and energy of a disabled veteran, young college student or military spouse and shore up this opportunity. This is not only beneficial for disabled American veterans, but it’s an excellent workforce development initiative.”
“EON is excited about FTCC becoming our newest member in the family of IDC’s,” said Dan Lejerskar, Chairman, EON Reality, “North Carolina will join the ranks of a rapidly moving global marketplace building a workforce for tomorrow.”
FTCC IDC graduates will become part of an emerging world-class workforce by using their simulation skills to enhance safety processes improve product sales and respond to rapidly growing global requirements. The FTCC initiative represents only a first step for North Carolina as the consortium is moving quickly to establish multiple IDCs with educational institutions throughout the region.
FTCC IDC will offer a 16-week certificate program beginning with the first term in 2008. Students will be trained in computer-aided design (CAD), geographic information system (GIS), advanced visualization and C# program technologies.
FTCC President Larry Keen expects the IDC to open new opportunities to a variety of people. “We can train them on a technology that is in demand and that will provide them not only knowledge, but offer legitimate employment opportunities as this sector grows,” he said. “3D technology offers opportunities with worldwide implications in terms of value – and training is done from FTCC.”
The enhanced ability to provide a newer methodology in terms of training is a great benefit and attraction to different businesses that support economic development. “We are beginning something pretty dramatic for this region and we want the center of success to reside here in Cumberland County and Fayetteville,” said Keen. “We look forward to working with the military, Department of Defense organizations as well as the private-sector businesses and other government institutions that will benefit from our training as we provide the workforce that takes us into the future.”
“Not only will this benefit wounded warriors, but it is a great opportunity for youngsters just starting out, or those wanting a career change,” said Albert L. Patterson III, chairman of the board and co-founder of Navigator. “Now our children and grandchildren don’t have to leave their rural areas to find good-paying jobs, and our wounded warriors can return to the hometown. With the help of an IDC they are re-enabled to continue providing for their families. We are proud to make good on our commitment.”"