Apprenticeship Wayne

Apprentice Brandon Roa with Prolec GE Waukesha and Apprentice Jalecia Moore with Butterball practice welding techniques this semester in their Basic Welding class that is part of the Industrial Systems Technology program.

It is an honor to welcome our first HVAC apprentices to Apprenticeship Wayne. This program is one of two apprenticeship programs that will is part of Wayne Community College Continuing Education/Workforce Development. HVAC is a three year apprenticeship program that earns Journeymen Certification from ApprenticeshipNC - Part of the NC Community College System and USDOL. Welcome Jackson & Sons we are excited you are part of our HERD! 💙🦬💛

Jackson and Sons participates in the Wayne Community College HVAC Apprenticeship Program. This program includes 6,400 hours of combined classroom and on-the-job-training. Currently, we have 6 technicians enrolled in the program.

Welcome Smithfield Foods Class of 2026 Maintenance Technicians. We are excited to have you on campus.

Welcome to our Herd! 💙🦬💛 We are excited to have you on campus!

Apprenticeship Wayne took a little trip down to Wilmington, NC to see some electrical apprentices in action…at the Pitt Electric Apprenticeship competition. Apprentices from level 2,3, and 4 are competing for prizes and bragging rights. Watching them work was amazing!

Apprenticeship Wayne is excited to offer an electrical apprenticeship program thanks to Pitt Electric beginning this fall.

Apprenticeships change lives…if you are an interested in learning more about apprenticeships please contact Apprenticeship Wayne at 919.739.7063.

"Apprenticeships provide so much more than just the opportunity to work and go to school. It provides students the opportunity to go to college debt free while earning a top wage in a sustainable career. Parents, don’t discourage your child from looking at apprenticeship opportunities!" -Kristie Sauls, Director of Apprenticeships

Learn more at apprenticeshipwayne.com.

Apprenticeship Wayne is excited to welcome Daniel Jackson to our HERD!

Today we remember the ones that gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙🇺🇸

This picture represents the faculty and staff that work hard every day to ensure students of WCC have the best of the best! Many pictured here have worked tirelessly to see the new C.I.T.E building become reality. Thank you for all that each of you do for the students in Mechatronics Engineering Technology - Wayne Community College and Industrial Systems Technology - Wayne Community College…

🎓💙🦬💛

Congratulations Smithfield Foods
Class of 2023 -
Cohort #1 no one will ever take your place! Go do great things 💙🦬💛

Graduation Spotlight: Issai Luna

Luna will graduate with an Associate of Applied Technology in Industrial Systems Technology this spring. He has been a maintenance apprentice with Smithfield Foods since the fall of 2019. Luna is a first-generation college student that has worked hard to achieve his dream of a college education.

Here is what Luna had to share when asked..."What does this apprenticeship program mean to you?"

This program has not been easy, but with the help and support of my instructors, I am achieving something I never thought possible. The apprenticeship program provided me the opportunity to better myself in life and in many ways. Also, I am setting an example for my kids to finish their education to better themselves in life.

Congratulations Luna YOU MADE IT! You will forever be a BISON! 💙🦬💛

Graduation Spotlight: Daniel DiPerna

Daniel will graduate this spring with an Associate of Applied Technology in Industrial Systems Technology. He has been a maintenance apprentice with Smithfield Foods since the fall of 2019. Daniel meets every challenge head-on and is always there to lend a hand and support his fellow apprentices.

Here is what Daniel had to share when asked..."What does this apprenticeship program mean to you?"

This program has lasted almost four years and in this time, I have nothing but joy in getting my degree and journeyman certification. Being a part of this program has been an honor and a privilege. I have been able to go from a decent job to a great career that opens so many doors to further my career and future. The fact that all my schooling was paid for is an extra bonus. I am thankful to Smithfield and Wayne community college for everything, especially the support given to me and my fellow apprentices a chance to start this program.

Congratulations Daniel! We are proud of you and forever a BISON you will be! 💙🦬💛

Graduation Spotlight: Carl Gary.

Carl will graduate this spring with an Associate of Applied Technology in Industrial Systems Technology. He has been a maintenance apprentice with Smithfield Foods since the fall of 2019. Thanks to the apprenticeship program, Carl could return to school to finish his associate's after being out of the classroom for many years.

Here is what Carl had to share when asked..."What does this apprenticeship program mean to you?"

Because of the apprenticeship program, I now have the confidence to achieve the goals I have been trying to achieve for a long time. I want to one day invent something of value for the world. The technical knowledge I have gained through this apprenticeship program will help make it possible for me to accomplish that.

Congratulations Carl, on your accomplishments. We wish you well in your future endeavors, you will forever be a BISON! 💙🦬💛

Graduation Spotlight: Dwayne Jones
Dwayne is a maintenance technician apprentice with Smithfield Foods at the Wilson facility. He joined the apprenticeship program in 2019 and is graduating with an Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Systems Technology. He is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society - Wayne Community College and was named a Who's Who Among Wayne Community College Students. He was working for Smithfield Foods in an entry-level position prior to the apprenticeship program. With aspirations to move into a supervisory role, Jones was presented with the opportunity to apply for the apprenticeship program thanks to a supervisor who saw his potential. Jones will tell you he felt he was too old to apply because he thought apprenticeship programs were only for the young.

Jones has proven to be a leader both in the plant and the classroom. He has been given the opportunity to serve on the Hazmat Team for his local plant and as a spokesperson on the value of apprenticeships for the company nationally. Jones was selected to travel with a team from Wayne Community College and Smithfield Foods to San Antonio, Texas, to present at the Bellwether College Consortium on the value of registered apprenticeship programs. He has also shared his story with others at the North Carolina Community System Office conference in the fall of 2022.

When asked, “What does this apprenticeship mean to you?”

Jones said it best: "This opportunity has given me the good fortune of not just having a minimum-paying job but a competitive-paying career. I see this apprenticeship as the perfect union of Wayne Community College and Smithfield. The program has allowed me to further my education and expand my skills on the job."
Jones is breaking barriers, helping employers see the benefits of registered apprenticeship programs, and proving that apprenticeships are not just for the young but also for the young at heart.

Congratulations on your success! We will forever call you a BISON! 💙🦬💛

Graduation Spotlight: Roberto Ruiz-Lopez

Roberto is a first-generation college student. He is a member of the maintenance technician apprenticeship program with Smithfield Foods. While attending WCC he has worked full-time with
Smithfield Foods as a maintenance technician. In the fall of 2022, he was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society - Wayne Community College.

Here is what Roberto had to share with the question, "What does this apprenticeship program mean to you?"

“Well, I have always wanted to better myself, but having a family made it a little bit too difficult to fulfill my dream. The WCC and Smithfield Foods apprenticeship program has been great. I came from Honduras with my family many years ago. Life here was hard, but the maintenance apprenticeship program has given me the opportunity to grow and provided me with an education I never thought possible. I am grateful for the opportunity many employers denied me in the past. I am excited about my future and proud of myself.”

Congratulations, Roberto! WCC is proud of all you have accomplished and looks forward to seeing you continue to better yourself. We are proud to call you a BISON! 💙🦬💛

Graduation Spotlight: Timothy Hyde
Tim is an apprentice with Smithfield Foods at the Clinton facility. He joined Apprenticeship Wayne in September 2019. Tim will graduate this spring as a double major earning an Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Systems Technology and an Associate of Applied Science in Mechatronics (Mechatronics Engineering Technology - Wayne Community College). He is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society - Wayne Community College and will be transferring to the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology (ECU's BSIT Transfer Program) in the fall.

Here is what Tim had to share when asked, "What does this apprenticeship program mean to you?"

"This apprenticeship gave me an opportunity to finish a college degree that I didn’t think I was going to get after dropping out of college and starting a family at 20. When I was offered the opportunity, I knew I could not pass up the chance to finish my two-year degree, gain experience, and earn a journeyman’s certificate. When I found out that I could also graduate with a second degree in Mechatronics with just a few more classes, I jumped at the opportunity. I will be starting ECU in the fall to pursue my Industrial Engineering Technology degree because of this opportunity. I am so thankful to have had this opportunity to get this experience."

Congratulations, Tim, on achieving this milestone! We are excited to see you continue your journey as a pirate, but you will forever be a BISON! 💙🦬💛

Graduation Spotlight: Lavar Elliott.
Lavar will graduate this spring with an Associate of Applied Technology in Industrial Systems Technology. He has been a maintenance apprentice since the fall of 2019 with Smithfield Foods. Lavar is a student that always has a smile and a kind word to offer others.

Here is what Lavar had to share when asked..."What does this apprenticeship program mean to you?"

"The program means a lot to me. It's helped me tremendously. I was basically stuck at a dead-end job. Thanks to Wayne Community partnering with my employer, I'm now considered an asset and can attain jobs outside of entry-level. To me and my family that loosely translates to more of the things we love to do like, trips to the beach, putting better meals on the table, and just having an all-around better life experience. For that I'm grateful."

Congratulations Lavar on achieving a goal you set for yourself many years ago. We are proud to call you a BISON!💙 🦬💛

Congratulations to our apprentices Dakota Matheny & Sean Johnson (Smithfield Foods), and Brandon Roa (Waukesha) for being inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society - Wayne Community College. PTK is a national honor society for community college students recognizing their high scholastic achievement. Thank you to Scott Satterfield for delivering a powerful message in leadership.

Shout out to the Applied Technology department at Wayne Community College for letting Apprenticeship Wayne tag along to the RIME 2023 Day. Students for Wayne, Lenoir, Greene, and Jones counties came out to learn more about industries, manufacturers, and businesses here in eastern NC. Thank you to NC Global TansPark Economic Development Region for hosting a great event!

Congratulations to maintenance technician apprentices Dwayne Jones and Roberto Ruiz-Lopez for being recognized as Who’s Who Among Students at Wayne Community College and swine management apprentice Tarina Ciotti for being a names Swine Management Technology Student of the Year.

Thank you ApprenticeshipNC for the shout out! At Wayne Community College we are proud of our employer partners like Smithfield Foods and apprentices.

Currently, we offer 7 different apprenticeship programs with over 10 employer partners and 70 apprentices! For more information visit our website www.apprenticeshipwayne.com.

Congratulations to Wayne Community College and Smithfield Foods! Great example of Apprenticeship Value and Success 👏👏👏👏
Currently, 29 Smithfield Foods apprentices are studying at WCC in four Maintenance Technician cohorts (the first of which will graduate in May 2023) and a “Farm Leadership" apprenticeship for hog producers.

Thank you Wayne County Chamber of Commerce for hosting a great Career Fair for 8th and 10th graders in Wayne County Public Schools.

It was great to see Apprenticeship Wayne employer partners Mt. Olive Pickles, Jackson & Sons, and Franklin Baking engaging with students about future careers. Also thank to Wayne Community College instructors with Mechatronics Engineering Technology - Wayne Community College and the Welding Program for engaging with our future workforce…

Did you know Apprenticeship Wayne offers apprenticeship opportunities in several different occupations?

Met Fredy Vallejo and an apprentice in our Swine Management program. Fredy has goals and plans for his future and he is well on his way to success with the help of the Farm Leadership Apprenticeship program with Smithfield Foods. He is earning and learning and NO DEBT! Congratulations Fredy for being in the Student Spotlight…you are doing great things and Wayne Community College is changing students lives!

Student Spotlight: Meet Fredy Vallejo. Fredy is in the Farm Leadership Apprenticeship program with Smithfield Foods and is majoring in Swine Management Technology at Wayne Community College. Fredy began working at a contract farm in the pork industry in May 2021 and knew he wanted to turn this into a career. "I saw that Smithfield was providing a program which helps you major in Swine Management Technology and I hopped right into it trying my best to work and learn in this chapter of my life."
Fredy is currently farrowing HOD (Head of Department) at a multiplication (sow) farm at the age of 19 (almost 20). His career goal is to become a farm manager on a large scale farm and learn more each day as he goes to work and school. "After reaching my goal of becoming a farm manager, my next goal is to become a production specialist on sow farms and one day hopefully grow more within the company. One day I would like to be Director of Production."
"I would recommend others to choose Wayne Community College and major in Swine Management so they can have the same awesome experience as I am having right now. WCC provides me with the same information as if I were in person/on campus by giving me access to every resource available."

This is another great example of what Smithfield Foods means to eastern NC. The University of Mount Olive is just 20 minutes down the road from Wayne Community College and has a fantastic four-year agricultural degree program. It is awesome to see Smithfield giving back and supporting events, such as Ag-Fest, that brings high school students from all over the state to UMOs campus.

The American Association of Community Colleges has hosted a fantastic event here in Denver, CO. I have learned so much, but also have realized Wayne Community College is doing great things…we might not be as big as some community colleges but needless we are making waves and being recognized for the great things we are doing. Apprenticeship Wayne was recognized as a Top 5 finalist in the category for Outstanding College/Corporate Partnership for our apprenticeship program with Smithfield Foods. It was an honor tonight to be on stage with WCC President Patricia Pfeiffer, Smithfield Foods Talent Development Training Specialist Clarence Scott, and Smithfield Foods VP of Community Development Steve Evans.

It is an honor to attend the American Association of Community Colleges Reaching New Heights Conference in Denver, CO on behalf of Wayne Community College. There are some great things happening in higher education and I am honored to be able to attend some really great sessions…bringing home some great ideas to help build a stronger workforce for tomorrow in Wayne County and southeastern NC.

Congratulations to Bobby McArthur for being featured in EdNC. Mr. McArthur is the lead instructor in WCC's Mechatronics Program. Apprentices in the Industrial Maintenance Program take several classes under him. He knows what the job market needs and how important it is to prepare apprentices for the future. WCC is proud of all our instructors for what they do every day to change the lives of our students.

This Wayne Community College instructor is preparing students for the future in mechatronics Wayne Community College instructor Bobby McArthur knows what it takes to teach and to learn. He went on a journey from student to instructor.

Congratulations to the seven maintenance technician apprentices that will graduate from Wayne Community College with their Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Systems Technology and their Journeyman Certification from the US Department of Labor. This is the first cohort of apprentices with Smithfield Foods that began their journey in September 2019, and in just a few months their journey at WCC will be ending, but they will forever be a Bison. Well done gentleman!

It is an honor to announce Apprenticeship Wayne has been nominated for a National Partnership Award with Smithfield Foods.

WCC, Smithfield Foods Finalists for National Partnership Award The team of WCC and Smithfield Foods is one of five finalists for an AACC Award of Excellence in the Outstanding College/Corporate Partnership category.

It is an honor to announce Apprenticeship Wayne has been nominated for a National Partnership Award with the Association of American Community College. This nomination recognizes the our partnership with Smithfield Foods.

WCC, Smithfield Foods Finalists for National Partnership Award The team of WCC and Smithfield Foods is one of five finalists for an AACC Award of Excellence in the Outstanding College/Corporate Partnership category.

It is an honor to announce Apprenticeship Wayne has been nominated for a National Partnership Award with

WCC, Smithfield Foods Finalists for National Partnership Award The team of WCC and Smithfield Foods is one of five finalists for an AACC Award of Excellence in the Outstanding College/Corporate Partnership category.

Student Spotlight: Meet Kendall Draughn. Kendall is in the Farm Leadership Apprenticeship program with Smithfield Foods majoring in Swine Management at Wayne Community College. He decided to do the apprenticeship program to further his career as well as use the knowledge in his private life at home. Kendall is currently the Head of Department on a Wean-to-Finish farm. He has been with Smithfield for 3 years and Head of Dept for the past 1 1/2 years. His goal is to move up in the company as far as possible and taking the Swine Management program is helping him to fulfill that goal.
Kendall's advice for anyone interested in Swine Management: "Do not let the title fool you. You learn a lot about swine, but you learn about other animals as well and most of what you learn about swine transfers over to the raising of other animals. Also, you're able to get your Masters of Beef Advocacy Certification and Pork Quality Assurance (PQA+) Certification which looks good on a resume if you’re trying to get a job in the swine industry. "

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Student Spotlight: Meet Kendall Draughn. Kendall is in the Farm Leadership Apprenticeship program with Smithfield Foods majoring in Swine Management at Wayne Community College. He decided to do the apprenticeship program to further his career as well as use the knowledge in his private life at home. Kendall is currently the Head of Department on a Wean-to-Finish farm. He has been with Smithfield for 3 years and Head of Dept for the past 1 1/2 years. His goal is to move up in the company as far as possible and taking the Swine Management program is helping him to fulfill that goal.
Kendall's advice for anyone interested in Swine Management: "Do not let the title fool you. You learn a lot about swine, but you learn about other animals as well and most of what you learn about swine transfers over to the raising of other animals. Also, you're able to get your Masters of Beef Advocacy Certification and Pork Quality Assurance (PQA+) Certification which looks good on a resume if you’re trying to get a job in the swine industry. "

Apprentice Spotlight: Kendall Draughn is an apprentice with Smithfield Foods working towards his Associate of Applied Technology in Swine Management.

Student Spotlight: Meet Kendall Draughn. Kendall is in the Farm Leadership Apprenticeship program with Smithfield Foods majoring in Swine Management at Wayne Community College. He decided to do the apprenticeship program to further his career as well as use the knowledge in his private life at home. Kendall is currently the Head of Department on a Wean-to-Finish farm. He has been with Smithfield for 3 years and Head of Dept for the past 1 1/2 years. His goal is to move up in the company as far as possible and taking the Swine Management program is helping him to fulfill that goal.
Kendall's advice for anyone interested in Swine Management: "Do not let the title fool you. You learn a lot about swine, but you learn about other animals as well and most of what you learn about swine transfers over to the raising of other animals. Also, you're able to get your Masters of Beef Advocacy Certification and Pork Quality Assurance (PQA+) Certification which looks good on a resume if you’re trying to get a job in the swine industry. "

Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Kristie Jones Sauls is the Director of Apprenticeships at Wayne Community College. She is the person behind all the social media posts and events celebrating National Apprenticeship Week. She is also the one who makes the apprenticeship programs successful everyday.

Mrs. Sauls was previously the Director of the College Transfer Advising Center at WCC prior to finding her new found passion for apprenticeships. She believes in apprenticeships so much that we will need to be on the look out for her dissertation when she completes her doctoral program.

Thank you Mrs. Sauls for all you do!

Apprentice Spotlight: Meet Wilemina Jones. Wilemina is in her second year of maintenance apprenticeship program with Smithfield Foods. She will graduate in Spring of 2025 with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Industrial Systems Technology.

“Another apprentice, a coworker of mine, told me about the apprenticeship program through Wayne Community College. It interested me because the program allows me to come to school and learn while working. Being in classes has taught me different skills than I have learned on the job, and my goal is to improve myself to work in management. The process is easy, and I have had help choosing classes, but I don’t think people will chase you down to teach you; you will have to study and be prepared to learn. You get what you put into this.”

Checkout out our Swine Management apprentice Rachel Brigman with Smithfield Foods.