Apprenticeship Randolph celebrates largest graduating class, signs on 16 more apprentices

Local administrators and community leaders, along with faculty and staff from Randolph Community College, the Randolph County School System, Asheboro City Schools, Uwharrie Charter Academy, Faith Christian School, and homeschool, family, and friends gathered on RCC’s Asheboro Campus Tuesday, Aug. 8, to both celebrate Apprenticeship Randolph’s third and largest graduating class and witness 16 more apprentices signed to the program.

The evening started with a celebratory dinner for the 13 graduates in the Armadillo Café. Diane James, 2021-2023 Apprenticeship Randolph (AR) Chairwoman and Hubbell Industrial Controls HES Director of Quality, opened the dinner by welcoming everyone in attendance and introducing notable attendees and the graduates.

“Over their four years in the program, we've witnessed great collaboration among schools, our community, and company partners,” she said. “We’re all collectively excited to see these 13 young adults get to the finish line. Thank you to the apprentices, family members, mentors, employers, and community and educational supporters who have helped them to reach this point.”

After 2023 graduate and Elastic Therapy Inc. apprentice William Flores gave the invocation and attendees ate dinner, 2023 graduate and Technimark LLC apprentice Noah Hutchens introduced guest speaker and classmate Caleb Baudoin.

“He helped me tremendously to get to this point where I am today,” Hutchens said. "Whether it was breaking down a formula in math class, or my missed step in CAD class, or reminding me that I can do it. I’m proud to call Caleb one of my best buddies.”

Baudoin, who was named ApprenticeshipNC’s Outstanding Registered Apprentice in 2021, is now a Quality Technician at Hubbell and a new father. He thanked the company partners for making an investment in the future.

“It might still be a little scary for some of the mentors in the room, but we leave with your guidance; we've been trained by the best,” Baudoin said. “So to our mentors, thank you for your patience, your lessons, both in life and on the job. Thank you to the Career Development Coordinators and School Counselors who initially shared the Apprenticeship Randolph program with us. Without you, many of us would likely have started to work in jobs with no hopes of a career, just living paycheck to paycheck. You gave us a clear path and push to fill out an application and go for it.”

He then thanked the RCC instructors, especially Industrial Programs Department Head Wesley Moore, and RCC Director of Apprenticeships and Pathways Stacey Miller.

“[Moore’s] teaching style is one of the best,” he said. “As Wesley likes to always say, ‘I will not drag you along, but if you want to learn more, I will teach you everything I can.’ [Electrical Systems Technology Instructor] Tom Jones and [Manufacturing Instructor] Dave Dauer were good at teaching us the material that was required, but also helped with the things that we would see in our day-to-day lives that might not be covered in the books.

“[RCC Director of Apprenticeships and Pathways] Stacey Miller, thank you. You kept all 13 of us in line with your texts, your hallway talks, your classroom announcements, book collections, personal development sessions, and constant reminders. Thank you for reminding us for the big picture, the degree, the career, the journey worker's credential, and, ultimately, a great payday.”

Lastly, Baudoin thanked his family.

“The family support I had was the biggest driving force,” he said. “Starting the program helped me raise my 16-year-old sister in the first year and a half and then later start my family. I know I had to finish strong for them. … Let this be a stepping stone into what is next in life. The world is huge and the opportunities are endless.”

James introduced the keynote speaker, Dr. Chris Harrington, High Point University professor of the Practice of Management, who served as AR Chairman from 2016-2021, discussed risk and opportunity.

“Some may think that risk is to be avoided at all costs,” he said. “The problem with this line of thought is that when all risk is eliminated, so is all opportunity. The key then is to make sure that you assess both the risk and the opportunity. I bring this up not to give anyone indigestion, but the reality is, each graduate took some risks because of the opportunities the program offered. Likewise, the companies took some risks and invested time, training, mentorship, and so on for you to pursue it. As you look at all of your future opportunities, and there will be many, be sure to consider your values and goals first. Everyone in this room wants nothing more than to see you flourish. Congratulations and good luck as you navigate your future.”

Miller gave the closing remarks, noting all that the Class of 2023 went through — losing special family members, buying new vehicles, taking classes for added certifications, buying a house, getting engaged, and one apprentice even became a dad.

“If those are not steps to maturity, I don't know what is,” she said. “My hope is that you continue on the road to success. We are so excited for your future. Don't forget the ones that helped you along the way. Become a mentor for those who are new to your companies. We know you will do amazing things.”

The celebration then moved to the R. Alton Cox Learning Resources Center Auditorium for the graduation and signing ceremony. James gave the welcome, acknowledging special guests in attendance. She then gave a brief history of AR, noting the consortium has grown to 21 company partners in areas like automotive, information technology, and advanced manufacturing.

“For those signing with apprenticeship company partners tonight, don't slow down,” she said. “If I could give you any advice at all, I'd say to give this all you've got. Listen, ask questions, and learn from the mentors and coworkers who are going to teach you their trade. Keep up with your classwork and always ask for help. These graduates can confirm that your work mentors and your instructors all want you to succeed. To the graduates, this is a momentous occasion for you. You've worked very hard during the last four years to achieve this milestone, and now here you are, receiving a college degree and a journeyworker certificate recognized in all 50 states, and you already have four years of vested work experience. Plus, most, if not all, have three to four years of 401k investment and paid vacation credits. All of you have bright career paths in front of you, and best of all, you have no education debt.”

James then presented a new award AR plans to give each year to recognize efforts that go above and beyond for the program. The inaugural Apprenticeship Randolph Ambassador award went to Wheatmore High School Career Development Coordinator Kyle Spencer.

James introduced the keynote speaker, Harrington, who discussed the changing climate with new industries coming into the area and the value of the investment made into taking on apprentices.

Ashley Mustian, Learning & Development Manager at Technimark, introduced the 2027 class speaker, Colin Howell, who signed as an apprentice with the company. Howell learned of AR during a school conference, saying he didn’t know what to do with his future, so he decided to apply. During his pre-apprenticeship, Howell learned he preferred mechatronics to machining and was able to transfer seamlessly.

“Apprenticeship Randolph seems like a great program that allows you to get a step ahead of others and to open many pathways into the workforce,” he said. “To our company mentors and to our families, we will need you, your patience, your understanding, your support, and your kindness in the coming years when things get tough. This will not just be a job, but a career that will open many doors throughout the world. Congratulations to tonight's graduates and to my fellow signers, we can do this.”

Apprenticeship Regional Coordinator for ApprenticeshipNC Tiffany Jacobs presided over the signing ceremony as the 16 pre-apprentices each came up onstage to sign their apprenticeship contracts with company partner representatives.

After congratulating the new apprentices, Miller started the graduation ceremony speaking of how the 2023 class started in summer of 2019 — right before the covid pandemic hit.

“Trying to navigate this new world speaks volumes about these graduates’ persistence, determination, and grit,” she said. “They sit before you tonight as college graduates who will one day lead their companies. I’m so incredibly proud to have been trusted with some great news, like making all As, new vehicle purchases. I’m also incredibly honored that you trusted me with some of your tough moments, like losing a grandparent, a parent, or friend, car wrecks, covid, family and friends letting you down, and just the overall challenges of trying to juggle the real world. What I want so say is, ‘You did it. Every situation that you thought was impossible, you overcame.’ ”

Miller then introduced the graduation speaker, 2023 graduate Abigail Goss, who, when she started with AR, already had her own welding company, Abigail’s Rails, that made metal handrails for homes and businesses.

“She graduated high school early and went straight into her work with apprenticeship employer, Phoenix Precision Machining,” Miller said. "Ever since I've known her, she has had at least two jobs, sometimes three. Abby is one of the hardest workers I know. I have no doubt that she will go far in life. She knows the secret: Work hard and don't let anything stop you from your dreams.”

Goss said when she started the program, she had no idea of the journey on which she was about to embark.

“Today, I finally hold my Manufacturing Technology associate degree and it feels incredible,” she said. “There were times when I thought about giving up, but I had this incredible drive pushing me forward. During these past four years, I didn't just hit the books, I also put in serious hours at my company, Phoenix Precision Machining. They've been more than just an employer; they've been mentors and supporters. … As I look at my fellow graduates, I see a group of incredibly talented and diverse individuals. We've all worked so hard to get to this point, and I couldn't be prouder of each and every one of us. And guess what? We're just getting started. I can't wait to see where life takes us.

“To the apprentices that signed tonight, I want to share a few pieces of advice. First, never underestimate yourself. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Second, speak with your peers, your fellow apprentices. Lean on them, get to know each other, hang out, spend time together, and develop good study habits. Lastly, cherish every moment. These years will fly by faster than you can imagine. Make friends, take risks, work hard, and create memories that will last a lifetime.”

RCC President Dr. Shah Ardalan then spoke, recognizing not only the school representatives and companies, but also the family members of the apprentices.

“It is so great to be here, and it's so great to be celebrating with you,” he said. “When you think about it, this is the best option. Yes, you know, our speaker said, thank you so much, that success is not guaranteed, but it doesn't get any better than this. Everybody's here for your success, so a lot of stars aligned for you to be here. Take advantage and also pass it along. There are a lot of people that wish they had your position and you have an opportunity. For the companies, you can count on us. We recognize this partnership. It’s strong, and it’s going to only get stronger. “

RCC Vice President for Instructional Services Suzanne Rohrbaugh presented the graduates, and then each graduate was introduced with 10 receiving their Associate of Applied Science in Manufacturing Technology, a Certificate in Manufacturing Technology, a State Apprenticeship Certificate, and a National Journeyworker Credential, and three their Automotive Systems Technology degree. The 13 graduates each left parting advice for future apprentices along with a message of thanks.

James then ceremoniously passed the gavel to 2023-2025 AR Chairman Terence Franklin, Maintenance Reliability Manager for Post Consumer Brands.

Rohrbaugh closed the ceremony, noting that the 2023 graduates started their journey having to navigate the covid pandemic.

“I really have to commend everybody that touched this program over the course of that time,” she said. “Because you did not know what tomorrow was going to hold. … This is an industry-led initiative and without the employers and the industry partners that we have, this could not happen. So thank you all for that. We appreciate that you believe in the students and that you help them reach the finish line. We couldn't do it without the collaboration of our school partners, our chamber partner, our community partners, our elected officials, ApprenticeshipNC, and the support we get at the state level.”

Apprenticeship Randolph began in June 2016 as a collaboration among Randolph Community College, the Randolph County School System, Asheboro City Schools, the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce, and local manufacturers. The goal was to bridge both the interest and skill gaps in modern manufacturing and provide a vehicle for expanding the workforce pool for advanced manufacturing in the county. With tuition funded through Career and College Promise and the N.C. Youth Apprenticeship Tuition Waiver Program and books paid for by the school systems and the participating companies, Apprenticeship Randolph produces an educated, skilled, debt-free workforce.

The program, which is for high school juniors and seniors, begins with a six-week, pre-apprenticeship summer program that consists of RCC classes and 40 hours per week of on-the-job training. Once a business selects its apprentice after this trial period, the program is spread over four years with students receiving paid, on-the-job training while earning an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Manufacturing Technology, Automotive Systems Technology, or Information Technology through RCC and a Journey Worker Certificate from the N.C. Community College System and U.S. Department of Labor.

For more information, contact Miller at 336-318-4958 or email apprenticeships@randolph.edu.