The Nash Community College Pre-Apprenticeship Program had its completion ceremony at the end of the first summer session. The program highlighted and celebrated twenty (20) total students from Nash County Public Schools and Rocky Mount Preparatory. The students were in an intensive three week, structured, program that helped the students develop additional skills and abilities that today’s employers are searching for in employees.
Spearheaded by the Director of Corporate Training & Apprenticeship Programs, and Steps4Growth Regional Coordinator – Rhonda High, along with Student Support Specialists – Shirley Sykes, Chris High and Hayley Robbins, the program is in its third year of activity at Nash Community College. Students were able to get hands on and up-close training in three career tracks: Advanced Manufacturing, NC Department of Transportation – Highway Construction, and Line Working. The student participants, mentors, and the program itself were recognized by the Office of Congressman Don Davis (NC-01).
Mrs. High stated that “This grassroots program is highly beneficial to the students and the community. The students were able to receive credentials on soft skills through Charlotte Works’ Working Smart, First Aid/CPR, Flagger, Lean 6 Sigma (Yellow Belt), problem solving, financial literacy, interview skills and were coached on workplace professionalism through the program’s addition of mentorship from area college students. It is a great way to help students who do not quite know what they want to do after they graduate high school have direction on a career path that can impact them, their families, and the community. We are proud of our participants and our partners for making this an incredible experience!” The students were able to not only tour facilities, but also were able to operate machinery and experience, firsthand, how things like stop lights, road sensors, or above ground power lines operate and function.
Students like Shemar Lane-Rhynes were impacted by the program. “At first, I was shy and did not want to talk to people. Now I’m more outgoing and willing to engage people. This program is important because it gave a better idea on what I want to do in life.” Other students like Carter Hicks felt highly accomplished. “Not only did I improve my public speaking, I learned how to tie a tie as well. This program has shown me how to get a job and keep a career. It’s a great program, I learned a bunch.”
Partners include Nash Community College (NCC), Nash County Public Schools (NCPS), Rocky Mount Preparatory School (RM PREP), NC A&T University – STEPS4GROWTH (S4G), NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT), The NC Business Committee for Education (NCBCE), Strategic Twin-Counties Education Partnership (STEP) and the High Educational and Athletic Foundation, Inc. Students received interviews and job placement opportunities with local businesses and corporations like the City of Rocky Mount, Rocky Mount Engine Plant – Cummins Inc., Evolve Consulting, LLC, Kwest Group, English Construction Company and Hitachi Astemo. All twenty students either have On-the-Job training opportunities, full-time job placement opportunities, or plan to enroll in school pursuing their career tracks. Each student received monetary stipends, transportation assistance, meals, personal protective equipment, and up to eight (8) valuable workplace credentials upon the completion of the program. For more information about Nash Community College workforce training and apprenticeship programs, contact Rhonda High at 252-451-8379 or rhigh592@nashcc.edu.
