FREQUENTLY
Asked Questions
General Information
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Industry Extension Services (IES) is the industrial outreach and extension organization of NC State University College of Engineering that helps businesses improve performance, increase competitiveness, develop their workforce and achieve sustainable growth.
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IES primarily serves manufacturers, but also works with small businesses, technology, pharmaceutical and healthcare companies, startups, government agencies, supply chain organizations, economic development groups and other businesses throughout North Carolina.
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Yes. IES is a unit of the College of Engineering at North Carolina State University and serves businesses across North Carolina through applied expertise, training, consulting, and technical assistance.
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IES serves companies in all 100 counties of North Carolina, from rural communities to major metropolitan areas.
Services & Consulting
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IES offers services in areas including:
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An IES Regional Manager can discuss your goals, challenges and opportunities and recommend solutions tailored to your organization’s needs. Customization is one of the most significant differentiators of IES. While many consulting firms deliver the same methodology to every client, IES begins by listening. We assess your organization’s unique situation and build a solution around your people, processes, goals, and budget. The result is a partnership that delivers relevant expertise, practical solutions and lasting impact.
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Yes. Depending on the project, support may be delivered on-site, virtually or through a hybrid approach.
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Absolutely. Many IES clients are small and medium-sized manufacturers seeking practical solutions to improve operations and grow their businesses. IES combines the resources and expertise of NC State University with decades of hands-on experience working with North Carolina manufacturers. Rather than selling a pre-packaged program, we customize our services to address the specific opportunities and challenges your organization faces, ensuring that recommendations are practical, actionable and sustainable.
Training & Events
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IES offers public open-enrollment courses, workshops, webinars and certificate programs, in addition to customized company training and leadership development programs.
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Yes. Many companies engage IES to develop training programs tailored to their specific workforce, processes, and business goals. Unlike many commercial consulting firms that offer standardized solutions, IES works closely with each organization to understand its unique challenges, goals, culture and workforce. Our recommendations, training and improvement strategies are customized to your specific needs, helping ensure practical implementation and measurable results.
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Yes. Many courses and recorded and live webinars are available online, while others are offered in person or in a hybrid format. If you are seeking Professional Development Credit Hours, check out our online self-paced courses.
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Many programs provide certificates of completion, and some support professional development requirements. Check the course details for each program.
Funding & Cost
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Costs vary depending on the scope and duration of the engagement. Many services are designed to provide significant return on investment through productivity improvements, cost savings and growth opportunities.
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At times, companies may qualify for grant-funded programs or cost-sharing opportunities through state or federal initiatives. Availability varies by program and eligibility requirements.
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An initial consultation with your Regional Manager is conducted (at no cost) to understand your needs and determine how IES can best assist your organization.
Manufacturing Excellence & Compliance
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Yes. IES assists companies with implementation, gap assessments, internal auditing and preparation for certifications such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.
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Yes. IES provides guidance, assessments, resources, and educational programs to help businesses understand how to create a cybersecurity program and prepare for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements.
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Yes. IES works with organizations to reduce waste, improve quality, streamline processes, increase throughput and strengthen operational performance.
Workforce Development
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Yes. IES offers leadership development, supervisory training, workforce retention strategies and skills development programs designed to strengthen employee engagement and performance.
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Yes. Programs are available for frontline supervisors, emerging leaders, managers and executive teams.
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Yes. IES can assist organizations in developing workforce strategies that support retention, succession planning and employee growth.
Innovation & Growth
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IES can connect companies with resources, expertise, and partners that support product development, commercialization and manufacturing readiness.
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Yes. IES can assist organizations in developing workforce strategies that support retention, succession planning and employee growth.
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Yes. IES supports defense manufacturers through cybersecurity, supply chain, quality, workforce and defense-focused assistance programs.
Getting Started
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Contact IES through the website, complete an inquiry form or contact the Regional Manager in your community to discuss your organization’s needs.
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A Regional Manager will meet with you to discuss your goals, assess opportunities and recommend next steps, services or programs that align with your objectives.
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Contact the IES Regional Manager in your area(LINK TO RM page), and they will schedule the next available appointment!
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Yes. Industry Extension Services maintains strict confidentiality standards and information shared by clients is not disclosed to third parties without authorization.
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Project length varies. Some engagements may be completed in a few days, while others may span several months depending on complexity and goals.
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Yes. IES regularly publishes client success stories that demonstrate measurable improvements in productivity, quality, workforce development, growth and innovation.
For course registration, questions and certificate programs:
919.515.8584
[email protected]
For questions and informationabout the Southeastern OSHA Training Education Institute Center:
919.515.5358
[email protected]
On-Site Availability
Our open enrollment classes can be customized for your organization and provided on location at your facility. Please Contact Your Industry Extension Services Regional Manager for more information.
We Can Help.
Regional Managers are located across the state to help you with customized onsite training programs!
Western
Piedmont Triad
Charlotte Proper
Greater Charlotte
Central
Research Triangle
Wake County / South
South Central
Northeast