STEPS4GROWTH (S4G): When Nyron Archer enrolled in Alamance Community
College’s Biowork Process Technician program, he wasn’t just signing up for classes.
He was stepping into a new chapter. Backed by tuition support through
STEPS4GROWTH, Archer found the confidence, connections, and hands-on skills to
break into North Carolina’s fast-growing biopharma field.
Through specialized training and industry exposure, including insights into
emerging electric vehicle technology, Archer gained more than technical skills; he
gained direction. He built upon the experience he had gained while working at
Stearns Ford, where he had the opportunity to interact with cutting-edge
automotive systems like the Mustang Mach-E. That real-world exposure laid astrong foundation, but once electric vehicles arrived on campus, Alamance
Community College offered Archer a unique, accessible platform for deeper
exploration and skill refinement.
“Working with the Mach-E at Stearns Ford opened my eyes to the incredible
potential of EVs, but also the unique considerations,” Archer said. “When our new
EVs came to campus, it was an immediate opportunity to apply that knowledge in a
different setting, with a constant focus on the best practices for handling these
vehicles.”
Drawing on his hands-on experience in automotive dealerships, Archer quickly
emerged as a go-to leader among his peers, particularly when it came to mastering
electric vehicle operations and essential safety protocols. He made the most of the
campus EVs, using them to sharpen his skills in high-voltage system awareness,
safe charging practices, battery management, and EV-specific emergency
preparedness. These hands-on experiences not only deepened his technical
knowledge but also reinforced his leadership potential in a rapidly evolving
industry.
Through countless hours of hands-on training with electric vehicles, Archer
developed a strong appreciation for a safety-first mindset. Whether learning,
observing, or demonstrating, he consistently emphasized the importance of
respecting the power and complexity of EVs. He also took the initiative to share this
mindset with fellow students, helping foster a culture of responsibility and
awareness around emerging technologies.
“Whether it’s at the dealership or on campus, my priority is always safety—for
myself, the vehicle, and the future owner,” Archer shared. “The campus EVs gaveme the space to build confidence and really internalize those protocols. That’s
something I’ll carry with me into the workforce.”
Now approaching graduation, Archer’s real-world experience, from his on-campus
training to his time at Stearns Ford, has fully prepared him for a future in the clean
transportation sector. His journey reflects not just a personal transformation, but
also the larger mission of programs like STEPS4GROWTH: to equip the next
generation of skilled, safety-conscious professionals ready to lead the transition to
a more sustainable world.
