NORTH CAROLINA A&T – STEPS4GROWTH- When these 20 students started the
Pre-Apprenticeship program at Nash Community College, many didn’t even have a
state ID or a bank account and most didn’t know where to begin. Just three weeks
later, they’re walking away with real tools for life: IDs, bank accounts, and
industry-recognized certificates that mark the start of their clean energy careers.
Throughout the three-week program, students gained hands-on exposure to career
paths in clean energy, including advanced manufacturing, utility line work, and
Department of Transportation (DOT) training. In addition to classroom instruction,
they participated in site visits, skills workshops, and resume-building sessions, all
designed to prepare them for real-world opportunities. The program not only
introduced them to technical skills but also emphasized personal and professionaldevelopment, helping them grow into confident young professionals ready to enter
the workforce.
For many of these students, simply showing up each day was an accomplishment.
Several lacked consistent transportation, but thanks to the dedication of program
leaders and community partners, a system was put in place to ensure every student
had a ride to and from class. Beyond that, most students only had their high school
IDs, a barrier when trying to access basic services. The program helped them
secure official state IDs, open bank accounts, and learn how to manage their
finances so they’d be prepared for direct deposit when they land their first jobs.
What started as a pre-apprenticeship quickly became a life-preparation experience.
These students didn’t just learn about clean energy, they were empowered with the
tools and life skills needed to thrive far beyond the classroom.
As the 20 students prepared to graduate from the Nash Community College Clean
Energy Pre-Apprenticeship Program, emotions ran high. For Rhonda High, Director
of Corporate Training and Apprenticeship Programs at Nash and Regional
Coordinator for STEPS4GROWTH’s Clean Vehicle sector, this moment marked more
than just the end of a program, it was a celebration of transformation.
“No baby, the training wheels are coming off, it’s time for you to go,” she said,
reflecting on the growth she witnessed over the past three weeks.
“I already know I’m going to cry. Every single time, somebody catches my heart for a
different reason. This is a big deal, and we want them to know how proud we are.”
From transportation challenges to financial barriers, these students overcame so
much and now, they leave not just with certificates, but with confidence, clarity, and
a community cheering them on as they step boldly into their clean energy futures.
