Wayne Community College Computer-Integrated Machining Instructor Bailee Gilbert recently attended a conference where she had the opportunity to share about the College’s pre-apprenticeship program with other educators.
Gilbert attended the annual Haas Technical Educators Conference held through the Gene Haas Foundation at Calhoun Community College in Decatur, Alabama. This year’s conference theme was “Rocket-Fueled Careers: CNC and Beyond.”
During the conference, Gilbert gave a presentation about WCC’s summer pre-apprenticeship program through the Southeastern Education and Economic Development (SEED) initiative.
SEED, created by the North Carolina Business Committee for Education and sponsored by Smithfield Foods, was developed to provide career exploration and work-based learning opportunities for high school students.
Participants earn college credit and gain paid educational experience through hands-on learning, classroom instruction, and tours of local businesses, getting industry-recognized credentials at no cost to them.
WCC has offered a SEED advanced manufacturing summer academy for three years and an agriculture academy for the past two years.
In her presentation, Gilbert discussed North Carolina’s workforce needs in relation to the manufacturing industry and how providing pre-apprenticeship opportunities can increase the number of students who pursue credentials after graduating from high school.
Gilbert said she enjoyed being able to highlight SEED’s impact on students and the community. “It was an honor to tell our story and showcase what we’re building at WCC,” she said.
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.