WCC, WCPS Graduate North Carolina’s First K–12 Teacher Apprentice
Published: June 12, 2025
Through 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.
Lamb completed her apprenticeship through the groundbreaking Educator Registered Apprenticeship Program, an innovative workforce pipeline launched by Apprenticeship Wayne to address the growing need for qualified teachers.
Angela Lamb (center) graduated as the first K–12 teacher apprentice in North Carolina and received a certificate from WCC President Patty Pfeiffer (left) and WCPS Superintendent Marc Whichard (right).
Established in 2019, Apprenticeship Wayne is a Registered Apprenticeship program based at WCC and housed within the Apprenticeship and Career Services Center. Registered with ApprenticeshipNC and the U.S. Department of Labor, the program has grown to support nearly 150 apprentices across a range of sectors, including automotive, advanced manufacturing, HVAC, machining, and now education.
In 2022, WCPS took a bold step by becoming the first K–12 district in the region—and in the state—to serve as an employer partner in an educator apprenticeship. Working with WCC and local universities, district leaders helped design an apprenticeship model that pairs classroom-based instruction with paid, on-the-job learning experiences in WCPS schools.
Lamb, a recent East Carolina University graduate, served her apprenticeship at Tommy’s Road Elementary School, where she worked under the mentorship of licensed teachers while pursuing her degree. Her days included leading lessons, supporting student learning, and building meaningful relationships with her third-grade students.
In one memorable classroom moment, Lamb helped her students understand the word “imminent” while reading Gigi and the Wishing Ring—a simple but powerful example of how apprentices like her are already making a difference.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the graduation of North Carolina’s first K–12 teacher apprentice through Apprenticeship Wayne and our partnership with WCPS,” said Dr. Patty Pfeiffer, WCC president. “This reflects our shared commitment to innovation and community impact. Wayne County is leading the way, setting a powerful example for communities across North Carolina.”
“This milestone shows what’s possible when we rethink how we prepare and support future educators,” said Dr. Kristie Sauls, executive director of apprenticeships and career development at WCC. “Angela’s success is a testament to the power of partnerships and a reminder that when we invest in aspiring teachers, our entire community benefits.”
School district leaders congratulate Lamb for the historic distinction of being the first K–12 teacher apprentice to graduate in North Carolina, noting that “grow your own teacher programs” such as this are critical for keeping classroom vacancies to a minimum.
“We appreciate the strong and long-standing partnership that we have with Wayne Community College, as it has positioned Wayne County Public Schools to help cultivate a ready teacher workforce from within our district and county,” stated Dr. Marc Whichard, WCPS superintendent.
“Being the first in North Carolina to offer the Educator Registered Apprenticeship Program—in addition to the other ‘grow your own’ programming that is in place—speaks to the high level of collaboration, vision, and efforts that continues to occur between our two institutions in support of public education,” Whichard said.
WCC also offers a Registered K–12 Teacher Pre-Apprenticeship Program that gives high school students an early start on the path to becoming educators. Through participation in the Teacher Cadet Program, students gain exposure to the teaching profession, take dual-enrollment courses, and engage in field experiences that prepare them for the full apprenticeship after graduation. This model allows students to explore career opportunities in education while earning college credit and gaining real-world insight into classroom environments.
By reducing financial barriers and providing a structured path into the profession, Wayne County is helping to build a stronger, more diverse, and better-prepared teacher workforce. “Every student deserves a well-prepared, committed teacher in their classroom,” said Sauls. “This program helps make that vision a reality.”
For more information about the K–12 educator apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship programs, visit www.waynecc.edu or contact Sauls at kjsauls@waynecc.edu.
About Wayne Community College
Wayne Community College is a public, learning-centered institution with an open-door admission policy located in Goldsboro, N.C. As it works to develop a highly skilled and competitive workforce, the college serves around 10,000 individuals annually as well as businesses, industry, and community organizations with high quality, affordable, accessible learning opportunities, including more than 150 college credit programs. WCC’s mission is to meet the educational, training, and cultural needs of the communities it serves.
About ApprenticeshipNC: Recognized by the Office of Apprenticeship to act on behalf of the U.S. Department of Labor, ApprenticeshipNC is the State Apprenticeship Agency authorized to register apprenticeship programs tailored to meet employers’ needs.
ApprenticeshipNC shares this publication on behalf of Wayne Community College. To see the original publication, click here.
