ApprenticeshipNC Success Stories

Daija Jones: Reflections from a Childcare Development Specialist ApprenticeAt Durham Technical Community College ’s Early Childhood Educator Apprenticeship Graduation & Signing on November 13, 2025, Ms. Daija Jones, a Childcare Development Specialist Apprentice enrolled in Durham Technical Community College and Early Years' Registered Apprenticeship Program. delivered the following speech to graduates and new signees.Read More

Sowing New Beginnings: A Veteran’s Path to Farming with VFNCFor many service members, the transition to civilian life is an uncertain process. Questions like “what comes next?” and “how do I move forward?” loom overhead. Robert Elliot founded The Veteran’s Farm of North Carolina, Inc. (VFNC) to provide an answer and a clear path forward. Since 2015, VFNC has helped over 1,000 beginning Farmer Veterans gain the tools and confidence to succeed in agriculture, offering hands-on training at North Carolina’s only full-scale production farm dedicated to Veterans. Among the many lives transformed by VFNC’s goal is Christopher Gray—VFNC’s first Vegetable Farm Manager Registered Apprentice. Gray’s journey is a shining example of what’s possible when service continues beyond the uniform and into the field.Read More

Leading by Example: Stanly Community College Leverages Registered Apprenticeship to Strengthen Its Small Business CenterIn the spring of 2025, Stanly Community College (SCC)’s Small Business Center (SBC) encountered a familiar staffing challenge. With Cassidy Ball’s promotion to SBC Director, the administrative assistant position she previously held was left vacant. Filling the position and retaining talent in the entry-level role was historically difficult. While attending the 2025 ApprenticeshipNC Conference, SCC leadership saw an opportunity to approach the problem differently—by filling the position through a Registered Apprenticeship Program. Read More

From Classroom to Clinic: Animal Hospital of Stateville and Iredell-Statesville Schools Foster a Skilled Vet Tech PipelineAnimal Hospital of Statesville (AHS) is an 8-doctor, AAHA accredited, progressive veterinary practice. It has provided medical care for animals in Iredell County and the surrounding areas since 1974. AHS is dedicated not only to administering excellent care, but also to educating the next generation of veterinary professionals. The Animal Hospital offers several training pathways, including a pre-veterinary school externship, a veterinary technician pre-apprenticeship, and a veterinary technician Registered Apprenticeship. Read More

Guilford Apprenticeship Partners: Bridging the Skills GAP One Apprentice at a TimeWith approximately 140 active apprentices and more than 30 employer partners, Guilford Apprenticeship Partners (GAP) has grown significantly since launching in 2016 with just 14 apprentices and six employer partners.Read More

GTCC’s HVACR program helps land Michael Bullard a Career Keeping the Stars CoolMichael Bullard knew when he graduated from Northeast High School, he wanted to work in the HVAC business. He didn’t realize, though, that the career could take him to the bright lights of Broadway productions and sold-out concerts. Bullard’s job these days is ensuring a cool environment for performers and patrons at the Tanger Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Greensboro, N.C., thanks to his love for HVAC work, a solid education at GTCC, and a supportive employer.Read More

WCC, WCPS Graduate North Carolina’s First K–12 Teacher ApprenticeThrough a partnership between Wayne Community College and Wayne County Public Schools (WCPS), Angela Lamb has become the first K–12 teacher apprentice to graduate in the state of North Carolina, earning a historic achievement.Read More

Fort Bragg Soldiers Earn Industry-Recognized Credentials Through Registered ApprenticeshipThe transition from military service to civilian life presents unique challenges. Veterans often experience changes in routine, lifestyle, finances, and difficulties navigating the civilian workforce. Recognizing these hurdles, ApprenticeshipNC, the State Apprenticeship Agency, partnered with Fort Bragg to establish a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). Read More

Driven to Succeed: How Jacob Mitchell Found His Path at Ascendum MachineryAfter graduating high school early in 2022, Jacob Mitchell took a job at a local Autobell Car Wash. Although he enjoyed the hands-on nature of the work, he found himself searching for a career that offered more stability and opportunities for growth. His search led him to Ascendum Machinery, Inc.’s Heavy Duty Equipment Technician Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). As someone who’s always enjoyed tinkering and working with his hands, Jacob viewed the RAP as the perfect next step. “It’s a win-win,” he said. “You get training both in the classroom and on the job.”Read More