💡 Introduction
Apprenticeship Wayne is reshaping what education looks like in 2025. On May 21, 2025, Wayne Community College (WCC) hosted a vibrant graduation ceremony honoring students who completed real-world training while getting paid, a huge win for learners and local industries.
🔍 Overview of Apprenticeship Wayne
Apprenticeship Wayne is a joint effort between Wayne Community College, North Carolina’s ApprenticeshipNC, and over a dozen employers.
🎯 Goals:
- Provide debt-free, career-aligned education
- Strengthen the local workforce
- Fill the skills gap in critical sectors
🛠️ Programs Offered:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Electrical & HVAC
- Automotive Technology
- Information Technology
- Healthcare Services
- Cybersecurity
🧾 Source: ApprenticeshipNC
🎉 Graduation Ceremony 2025 Highlights
📅 Date & Venue:
- May 21, 2025
- Wayne Learning Center, Goldsboro, NC
👥 Total Attendees:
- Over 300 people, including:
- 45 graduates
- 60+ employer representatives
- Local government officials
📊 Graduates by Industry
Here’s a breakdown of the 45 graduates by industry:
| Industry | Number of Graduates |
|---|---|
| Advanced Manufacturing | 14 |
| Healthcare & Nursing | 10 |
| Automotive Technology | 8 |
| Cybersecurity & IT | 6 |
| Electrical & HVAC | 7 |
🧾 Source: Internal data from WCC Ceremony Program Sheet
🏆 Certificates and Skills Earned
All graduates received:
- Apprenticeship Completion Certificate (NC & Federal)
- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30
- NCCER or CompTIA Certifications
- Soft Skills Training
🔧 Top Skills Developed:
- Electrical schematics & diagnostics
- CNC machine operation
- Cybersecurity threat analysis
- Patient care fundamentals
🎤 Event Speakers and Key Messages
👤 Dr. Patty Pfeiffer – President, WCC:
“We’re not just graduating students. We’re launching skilled professionals ready to transform Wayne County.”
👤 Sharon Evans – NC Department of Commerce:
“Apprenticeship is the future. These graduates are proof that learning and earning can go hand in hand.”
👤 Mark Fields – VP, Manufacturing Partners:
“We hired five apprentices directly from this batch why? Because they already know how to work.”
🏢 Partnering Companies
A total of 16 companies partnered with WCC in this program.
🔗 Top Employers:
| Company | Sector | # of Apprentices |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Olive Pickle Co. | Food Manufacturing | 7 |
| Wayne UNC Health Care | Healthcare | 6 |
| SPX Transformer Solutions | Electrical Systems | 5 |
| NC Department of IT | Cybersecurity | 4 |
| Massey Toyota | Automotive Tech | 3 |
🔗 Official Partners List: WayneCC.edu/apprenticeship
💼 Employer Feedback
✅ Positive Highlights:
- 82% employers said they’d hire from the program again
- 90% reported immediate productivity of graduates
- Several companies plan to sponsor the 2026 cohorts
🌟 Apprentice Success Stories
👩🔬 Hannah Simmons, Lab Tech, Wayne Memorial Hospital:
“From high school dropout to healthcare professional in 2 years. I owe it all to Apprenticeship Wayne.”
🧰 Javier Torres, Electrical Technician:
“I used to work minimum wage jobs. Now, I’m earning $26/hour and have a career.”
📈 Economic and Workforce Impact
Wayne County has faced a labor shortage in key trades. This program is helping bridge that gap.
📊 Key Stats:
- 78% job placement rate within 60 days of graduation
- $21/hr average starting salary post-program
- 40% of students are first-generation college students
- 3x growth in apprenticeships since 2020
🧾 Sources:
📝 Application and Enrollment Info
✅ Eligibility:
- Age 16+
- High school diploma or GED
- US work eligibility
📍 How to Apply:
- Online: Apply here
- In-person: Wayne Community College Advising Center
🕒 Duration:
- Most programs last 2–4 years, with paid work throughout.
🚀 Future Plans for Apprenticeship Wayne
📅 Upcoming Initiatives:
- New programs in:
- Green Energy
- Drone Technology
- Data Analytics
- Increase cohort size to 75+ students by 2026
- Add 5 new rural business partners
🌍 Media and Community Reactions
- Covered by NewsArgus, Goldsboro Daily News, and ABC11.
- Community praised the program on social media for:
- Empowering youth
- Bridging education and employment
- Boosting local economy
📰 Read more: ABC11 Apprenticeship Report
🎯 Conclusion
Wayne Community College’s celebration wasn’t just a formality, it marked the birth of a skilled, confident, and employable generation. Apprenticeship Wayne isn’t just changing lives; it’s changing the landscape of local education and employment.
Whether you’re a student, parent, or employer, now’s the time to get involved.
❓ FAQs – Apprenticeship Wayne 2025
How many students graduated in 2025?
A total of 45 students completed the program successfully.
What is the average salary after graduation?
Graduates typically start at an average of $21/hour.
Is the apprenticeship program free?
Yes, students earn while they learn and don’t pay tuition. Most employers cover equipment and certification costs.
How do employers benefit from participating?
Employers get access to trained, ready-to-work talent while reducing recruitment costs and turnover.
Can adults change careers using this program?
Absolutely. Many enrollees are adults seeking a career transition or reentry into the workforce.
Are certifications nationally recognized?
Yes. Students receive state and federally recognized credentials.
What support is provided during the program?
One-on-one mentorship
Resume & soft skills workshops
Industry site visits and safety training