Students who are interested in engineering, maintenance, and mechatronics are invited to apply for a career exploration opportunity this summer at Wayne Community College.
The Summer Advanced Manufacturing Academy will be held for seven weeks during the summer of 2024, beginning June 10. It is the first program launched by the Southeastern Education and Economic Development (SEED) initiative.
The SEED initiative, developed by the NC Business Committee for Education and sponsored by Smithfield Foods, is focused on growing the manufacturing and agriculture workforce through work-based learning and apprenticeships.
Participants in the academy will receive a paid education, a monthly stipend for transportation and supplies, hands-on experience and classroom instruction, weekly field trips to local businesses, and preferred employment opportunities at Smithfield Foods.
This program is open to students who also meet the eligibility requirements for Career and College Promise, WCC’s high school dual enrollment program.
An information session about the summer academy will be held for students and their parents on Tuesday, March 19 from 6–8 p.m. in Room 161 of WCC’s Wayne Learning Center (the main building on campus with the flag poles in front). Attendance at an information session is mandatory before applying for the academy. You can register for a session here.
SEED aims to create youth and registered apprenticeship pathways to careers, allowing students to learn and earn while getting industry-recognized credentials and a two-year degree at no cost to them.
Through SEED, high school juniors and seniors can enter a pre-apprenticeship program with dual enrollment at a participating community college, allowing them to graduate high school with up to 15 college credits transferrable to a registered apprenticeship or associate degree program.
For more information and to apply for the academy, visit SEED’s webpage. The application period closes March 31.
WCC encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing accommodations or have questions about access, contact the Accessibility Counselor at 919-739-6729.
About Wayne Community College
Wayne Community College is a public, learning-centered institution with an open-door admission policy located in Goldsboro, N.C. As it works to develop a highly skilled and competitive workforce, the college serves around 10,000 individuals annually as well as businesses, industry, and community organizations with high quality, affordable, accessible learning opportunities, including more than 150 college credit programs. WCC’s mission is to meet the educational, training, and cultural needs of the communities it serves.