Apprenticeship Randolph earns top state honor as 2025 Outstanding Apprenticeship Partner
Randolph Community College (RCC) is proud to announce that Apprenticeship Randolph has been named the 2025 Outstanding Apprenticeship Partner by ApprenticeshipNC, recognizing its groundbreaking contributions to workforce development, industry collaboration, and hands-on training.
This prestigious honor was celebrated during the 2025 ApprenticeshipNC Conference Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, March 11, at the Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club in Durham. The award underscores Apprenticeship Randolph’s transformative impact on North Carolina’s workforce and its growing national influence.
“Apprenticeship Randolph is a true model of excellence in workforce development,” RCC President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan said. “By forging strong partnerships and investing in real-world training, they have created life-changing opportunities for students while strengthening our local industries. This recognition is a testament to their leadership, innovation, and dedication to shaping the workforce of tomorrow.”
Since its launch in 2016, Apprenticeship Randolph has created a direct pathway for students to enter the workforce. Participants graduate with three years of hands-on experience and zero college debt. Thanks to the partnership with Asheboro City Schools, the Randolph County School System, Uwharrie Charter Academy, and private and homeschools, the program continues to grow each year, with more industry partners joining the effort. Opportunities are expanding in high-demand fields such as information technology, automotive, and advanced manufacturing. Career pathways include maintenance, machining, tool and die maker, quality control technician, mold maker, information technology – computer support specialist, and automotive service technician.
The program’s achievements have gained statewide and national recognition, most notably its acceptance into the inaugural class of U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Ambassadors. RCC Director of Apprentices Stacey Miller’s two invitations to the White House further highlight the program’s growing influence in shaping the future of apprenticeships. These milestones demonstrate the program’s effectiveness in bridging education and industry needs while offering students an unparalleled opportunity to earn while they learn.
“Apprenticeship Randolph is thrilled to be named Apprenticeship NC’s ‘Outstanding Apprenticeship Partner' for 2025,” Miller said. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our apprentices, the unwavering support of our industry and education partners, and the collective effort to create meaningful career pathways in Randolph County. The Career Development Coordinators work hard to find students who thrive in our program, and I am thankful for their support. We are honored to receive this award and remain committed to expanding opportunities for future apprentices and businesses across the region.”
Beyond technical training, Apprenticeship Randolph prioritizes personal and professional development, offering workshops on financial literacy, smart investing, and life skills to prepare apprentices for long-term success. Apprentices are also engaged in the community, frequently visiting local schools, participating in career fairs, and inspiring younger generations to consider apprenticeships as a viable career path. Graduates often return to mentor new apprentices, including one former apprentice, Jonathan Mrozczkowski, who now teaches evening courses at RCC.
“We are incredibly proud of Apprenticeship Randolph and all it represents — not just for Randolph Community College, but for our entire region,” RCC Board Chair Reynolds Lisk said. “This program exemplifies what can be accomplished when education, industry, and community come together with a shared vision. Being named the Outstanding Apprenticeship Partner reflects years of hard work and collaboration, and we are excited to see this initiative's continued growth and impact. On behalf of the RCC Board of Trustees, congratulations to everyone who has made this achievement possible.”
For more information, visit www.apprenticeshiprandolph.com, contact Miller at 336-318-4958, or email apprenticeships@randolph.edu.
Randolph Community College (RCC), under the leadership of President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan, is committed to providing relevant career training and educational opportunities. Ranked No. 1 in North Carolina by Niche.com and SmartAsset and second in the nation by SmartAsset, the College offers affordable degrees and short-term certificate programs that start throughout the year, both in person and online. To register, call 336-633-0200 or visit randolph.edu/register. 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.