Wayne Community College held a ceremony to recognize its apprentices who have completed programs through Apprenticeship Wayne.
The apprentices received on-the-job training while attending school to earn an associate degree from WCC and a journeyman certificate from ApprenticeshipNC and the United States Department of Labor.
This year, 18 individuals representing five companies and six different occupations completed an apprenticeship program. Employer partners include Mt. Olive Pickle Company, Smithfield Foods, Team Chevrolet of Goldsboro, UNC Health Wayne, and Wayne County Public Schools, where apprentices worked in advanced manufacturing, automotive technology, healthcare, and education.
During the recognition ceremony, WCC President Patty Pfeiffer said the apprentices deserved to be celebrated for their accomplishments. “These apprentices have demonstrated the power of learning while earning,” she said.
Dr. Jessie Tucker, president and CEO of UNC Health Wayne, commended WCC for its apprenticeship program and encouraged the apprentices to recognize the essential role they play in their organizations. “You’ve done a fabulous job of completing this very rigorous effort, and I appreciate all that you will contribute to our community as you go forward,” he said.
WCC Industrial Systems Instructor Eddie Carter, who taught many of the apprentices, reflected on their journey throughout the program and what it has instilled in them. “The training you’ve received at Wayne Community College has prepared you to step into your roles where your work directly impacts productivity, safety, and innovation,” he said.
Alan Rangel Vargas completed an apprenticeship with Mt. Olive Pickle Company, and he spoke on behalf of the graduating apprentices during the recognition ceremony. “We’ve all got different stories,” he said. “For some of us, this apprenticeship was the first foot in the door for our careers. For others, it’s a way to climb the corporate ladder. But for all of us, this has been an absolutely incredible experience.”
WCC Vice President of Academic and Student Services Kristie Sauls thanked Apprenticeship Wayne’s employer partners. “Thank you for your vision and for your leadership in developing apprenticeship opportunities,” she said. “Eight years ago, many of these pathways were just an idea. Today, because of you, they are real, and they are growing.”
The apprentices and their occupations, listed by city of residence, are:
Beulaville
Justin Gooding, Smithfield Foods Maintenance Technician
Clinton
Juan Nunez Galeno, Smithfield Foods Maintenance Technician
Eric Osorio Escamilla, Smithfield Foods Maintenance Technician
Dakota Salazar, Smithfield Foods Maintenance Technician
Dudley
Alan Rangel Vargas, Mt. Olive Pickle Company Mechanical Drafter
Fayetteville
Steve Warren, Smithfield Foods Maintenance Technician
Goldsboro
Skye Britton, UNC Health Wayne Medical Laboratory Technician
Clarissa Castrogiovanni, UNC Health Wayne Medical Laboratory Technician
Patrick Scott Holloman, Smithfield Foods Maintenance Technician
Shonisha Mayhue, UNC Health Wayne Registered Nurse
Karrie Smith, Wayne County Public Schools Teacher
Mount Olive
Cynthia Tijerina, UNC Health Wayne Medical Laboratory Technician
Pikeville
Genna Rodriguez, UNC Health Wayne Registered Nurse
Noah Snyder, Team Chevrolet of Goldsboro Automotive Technician
Pink Hill
Logan Spence, Smithfield Foods Maintenance Technician
Princeton
Abbie Henderson, UNC Health Wayne Medical Laboratory Technician
Roseboro
David Thomas, Smithfield Foods Maintenance Technician
Rowland
Jason McCallum, Smithfield Foods Maintenance Technician
Learn more about Apprenticeship Wayne here.
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.