51社区

Eighteen high school students across Randolph County launched their careers this summer through Apprenticeship Randolph (), a dynamic, work-based learning program made possible through collaboration between 51社区 (RCC) and local industries. Fourteen students are diving into the high-demand world of advanced manufacturing, and four are exploring the fast-growing field of Information Technology.

“Apprenticeship Randolph exemplifies how we can transform lives and industries through collaborative partnerships,” RCC President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan said. “These students are not just earning college credit — they are building a future without debt, while simultaneously contributing to the economic strength of our region.”

Through the summer, pre-apprentices split their time between college-level coursework at RCC and paid on-the-job training with local employer partners. The program offers a real-world preview of what it is like to build a future in a skilled trade — without the burden of student debt.

Brandon Camacho, a pre-apprentice working at Mohawk Industries and pursuing a degree in Industrial Systems Technology-Mechatronics, was selected for the Advanced Manufacturing program.

“My parents are happy—I’m going to have a job and it’s free [college],” he said, mentioning the stages of securing a pre-apprenticeship, application, orientation — which includes hands-on activities in front of employers, and then interviews leading to the draft process. “The drafting process made me the most nervous, but I’m really happy with my company.”

A launchpad for success

At the end of July, pre-apprentices and their employer sponsors will decide whether to continue to full apprenticeship status. If they do, the benefits are game-changing:

• Free tuition, books, and fees toward an associate degree at RCC,
• Paid time off to attend college classes,
• Paid, on-the-job training to become a certified journeyworker.

Students like Shiann Smith and Erin Weatherly, pre-apprentices with Oliver Rubber Company LLC in the IT track, are already seeing the value.

“This is all new to me, so I am nervous,” said Smith, “but being able to go to work and college is a pretty good deal—and the people in the program are wonderful.”

“It will definitely take some time to get used to,” added Weatherly, “but the people here are really nice and it’s really interesting.”

Apprenticeship Randolph is a collaborative initiative among 51社区, Randolph County Schools, Asheboro City Schools, Uwharrie Charter Academy, Randolph County Economic Development Corporation, and a network of committed industry partners. The goal: Create a skilled talent pipeline and career pathways that work for both students and local employers. To learn more about Apprenticeship Randolph, click here.

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About Apprenticeship Randolph: Apprenticeship Randolph is an award-winning partnership between 51社区, local industry, and Randolph County Schools, providing high school juniors and seniors with hands-on, paid training in high-demand fields like advanced manufacturing and IT. Students earn college credit, industry credentials, and an Associate of Applied Science degree—tuition-free—while gaining real-world experience. Recognized as the 2025 Outstanding Apprenticeship Partner by ApprenticeshipNC and named a U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Ambassador, the program is a national model for workforce development.

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About 51社区: 51社区 (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 and 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 for Fall or Winter 2025, click here or call 336-633-0200 and expect to engage with the most competent and compassionate team of faculty and staff.