When Learning Meets Opportunity: Joshua Baxley’s Registered Apprenticeship Journey
Published: August 31, 2026
Apprentice Background Information
- Full Name: Joshua Baxley
- Company/Employer: Ziehl-Abegg
- Age: 23
- Completed Apprenticeship Occupation: Manufacturing Technician
- Current Position: Technical Sales Rep., Global Key Accounts
Let’s start with you. Looking back, what first sparked your interest in manufacturing, and how did that eventually lead you to your current career?
I always enjoyed tasks that allowed me to work with my hands, and I believed manufacturing could be a promising career path. However, I was not entirely sure what a career in manufacturing would involve or whether I was capable of succeeding in the field.
Before becoming a Registered Apprentice, where were you in your career journey? What were you looking for that you weren’t finding through more traditional education or job pathways?
I was still in high school searching for what my future would look like. Attending a traditional college was an option, but watching my sister take on significant student loan debt motivated me to explore alternative opportunities that would allow me to build a career while avoiding debt.
How did Ziehl-Abegg and its Registered Apprenticeship Program first get on your radar? What stood out to you about the opportunity?
I often saw posters for the Guilford Apprenticeship Partners (GAP) program throughout high school; however I did not become interested in it until a close friend told me about his experience. He was a year ahead of me and provided valuable insight into the program and the opportunities it offered.
What ultimately made you decide that a Registered Apprenticeship was the right fit? Was there a particular experience, conversation, or moment that made you think, “This is where I want to be”?
I wasn’t completely sure if Registered Apprenticeship was the right fit until I had discussions with ZIEHL-ABEGG at the invitationals. What stood out to me was the opportunity to shape the Registered Apprenticeship around my interests. By gaining experience in each department, I would be able to make an informed decision about which area of the company I wanted to join permanently, this was big for me because I was uncertain about what I wanted to do for my career.
When you first started your Manufacturing Technician Registered Apprenticeship, what were your expectations? How did the experience compare with what you imagined?
I didn’t expect to be able to pick up on things so quickly. I imagined it would take more time to learn the different departments and take on tasks in each area; I was happy to know I could make an impact in any department I went into whether it was hands on or in the office environment.
What did a typical day look like for you as a Registered Apprentice, and how did your responsibilities evolve as your skills and confidence grew?
A typical day involved being mentored by someone in the department I was in, completing tasks for the role I was assigned to, communicating with the team members in my department, and collaborating with other apprentices. As I grew in confidence and skills, my task load increased and became more challenging.
Every Registered Apprenticeship comes with a learning curve. What was one challenge you faced, and what did overcoming it teach you?
The biggest challenge for me was time management. Once I began taking on tasks from different departments, I needed to learn how to manage my time and how to manage the tasks.
Looking back, is there a project, accomplishment, or moment during your Registered Apprenticeship that you’re especially proud of? Why does it stand out to you?
A moment that stands out to me was when I was invited by the U.S. Department of Labor to come to the White House in Washington DC to accept recognition for my time working as an Apprenticeship Trailblazer.
What technical or professional skills did you gain through your Registered Apprenticeship that continue to benefit you today?
Many of the skills I gained through the program still benefit me in my position today. Learning about every aspect of the manufacturing process gave me a deeper understanding of each person’s role and the reason behind why certain procedures and decisions are necessary.
How has completing your Registered Apprenticeship influenced your confidence, your career outlook, and your long-term goals?
Registered Apprenticeship gave my career the best head start I could’ve asked for. Finishing the program, I was equipped with all the necessary skills and work ethics I needed to be successful in my career. I had zero student debt and four years of valuable work experience in the manufacturing industry.
How has your Registered Apprenticeship helped prepare you for your current role and future opportunities?
The Registered Apprenticeship Program provides skills and the information to allow for the apprentices to be very knowledgeable in the manufacturing space. This knowledge is a foundation that can be used to be successful in your position and advance your career.
If you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice on your first day as a registered Apprentice, what would it be?
I spent a lot of time worrying about how my future would look and what I would do for my career. I would assure myself that with hard work and my best effort to learn as much as I can, everything will fall into place.
From your perspective, how does investing in Registered Apprenticeship benefit employers like Ziehl-Abegg?
Registered Apprenticeship has slowly built the infrastructure of ZIEHL-ABEGG and is a core part of our company culture. Walking around our facility in Winston-Salem, it would be impossible not to run into an active apprentice or an apprentice alumnus. Apprentices and Alumni of the programs work to sell the product, market the product, schedule the production, ensure the assembly lines are set up and running, ship the material, and everything in between.
Finally, what advice would you give to students or career seekers who are considering a Registered Apprenticeship
Don’t pass the opportunity up. While it may not be the perfect fit for everyone, the experience, education, and career opportunities it provides are hard to match anywhere else.
About ApprenticeshipNC: Recognized by the Office of Apprenticeship to act on behalf of the U.S. Department of Labor, ApprenticeshipNC, a part of the North Carolina Community College System, is the only approved registration and compliance body for Registered Apprenticeship in North Carolina. The ApprenticeshipNC team works directly with employers, educational institutions, and community partners in all 100 North Carolina counties to design, launch, and expand Registered Apprenticeship and Registered Pre-Apprenticeship Programs. ANC also acts as an information source for individuals interested in pursuing career opportunities through Registered Apprenticeship.