RCC hosts local 10th graders for annual Manufacturing Day

More than 200 local 10th graders visited Randolph Community College on Friday, Nov. 3, for Manufacturing Day to spark interest in both the College’s programs and available manufacturing jobs.

“We are happy to have provided local students with a unique and enriching experience that goes beyond the traditional classroom setting,” RCC President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan said. “The exposure to RCC’s programs is a valuable opportunity for these young minds to explore diverse pathways and consider the myriad possibilities available to them. A heartfelt thank you to all the organizers, industry partners, and educators who collaborated to make this day a success. Together, we are shaping the future workforce and empowering our students to pursue meaningful and fulfilling careers in manufacturing and beyond.”

Students from Asheboro High School, Eastern Randolph High School, Providence Grove High School, Randleman High School, Southwestern Randolph High School, Trinity High School, Uwharrie Charter Academy (UCA), Uwharrie Ridge 6-12, and Wheatmore High School enjoyed hands-on activities and demonstrations in the Gene Haas Computer-Integrated Machining Institute (CIM), Electrical Systems, Computer-Integrated Machining, Automation Engineering, and Welding areas. The students also learned about the Apprenticeship Randolph and Career and College Promise (CCP) programs.

Each high school toured a local industry like CCI Machine & Fabrication, DS Smith, Energizer Battery Inc., Jowat Adhesives, Mohawk Flooring, PEMMCO Manufacturing, Post Consumer Brands, and Technimark. The students also participated in mock assembly lines at RCC led by company volunteers from DS Smith, Energizer, Jowat Adhesives, Post Consumer Brands, and Randolph County Economic Development Corporation.

UCA student Landon Hooker said he was mostly interested in welding.

“I feel like [RCC has] a lot of interesting programs, and I just wanted to see what you all do here and what you teach,” he said. “I really like the welding program. Our school offers RCC classes you can take our junior year, so I’ll probably start taking those next year. I’d like to weld for myself, but I’d also like to get a welding certificate just in case.”

Randleman student Allie Rich’s interest was sparked by the school’s metals classroom. Like Hooker, she is interested in welding.

“I was very interested in everything,” Rich said. “I was very excited to hear when they asked us on a field trip to come here.”

Christian Ortiz Mendoza, a Randleman student, said he wanted to enter the welding or electrical professions after high school.

“I saw a lot of great opportunities and a bunch of interesting courses [at RCC] that I wanted to take part in,” he said. “Welding was the most interesting. I like how you can get three different types of degrees, or you can go for one year and get the full degree. I like how you can finish high school with a degree or also a certificate so you can go start working as soon as you get out of high school.”

Trinity student Gabrielle Gardner is interested in pursuing a business degree but, like the others, found welding interesting.

“I want to get my own salon, my own business after high school, and I definitely want to be an entrepreneur,” she said.

Randolph Community College (RCC), under the leadership of President/CEO Shah Ardalan, is committed to providing relevant career training and educational opportunities. Affordable degrees and short-term certificate programs start throughout the year, both in person and online. For more information, call 336-633-0200 or visit www.randolph.edu and expect to engage with the most competent and compassionate team of faculty and staff.