SALISBURY — The February Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce (SACC) Business After Hours, recently hosted by Wor-Wic Community College, offered chamber members the opportunity to visit the new Patricia and Alan Guerrieri Technology Center at the college.

Deborah Casey, Ph.D., Wor-Wic president, welcomed guests, who were able to view the building’s makerspace, newly opened to public memberships. Creators can sign up to use equipment for 3D printing, laser engraving, poster and decal printing and design software. Visitors also had a chance to look inside the technology labs used for learning electrical, plumbing, machining and welding, and to try their hand at driving big rigs in truck driving simulators.

The event also featured door prizes and a 50/50 raffle, whose proceeds benefit the SACC Foundation Endowment initiative to provide scholarships for Lower Shore students to pursue associate degrees in a business-related curriculum or for training and certification in trades at Wor-Wic.

Wor-Wic recently opened the Patricia and Alan Guerrieri Technology Center to help train and educate students to meet the needs of the local workforce. It features learning systems for robotics, geothermal electricity, wind turbine nacelles and solar panels; an augmented reality welding simulation lab and real-world welding booths; a Skill Boss Logistics supply chain automation training and assessment device; mechanical lathes and mills and more.

With 90% of Wor-Wic students staying and working in the area, the building’s offerings help to fill high-tech learning requirements for local students, supporting demands for skilled workers who can help build the community.