Apprenticeship Wayne

An incredible group of graduates. Congratulations again to our Apprentices! We're so proud of all you've accomplished.

Big congratulations to the 18 graduates recognized at Wayne Community College’s Apprenticeship Wayne ceremony! 🎓

These individuals demonstrated the power of "learning while earning"—graduating with both an associate degree from WCC and a journeyman certificate from Apprenticeship NC and the U.S. Department of Labor.

A huge thank you to the employer partners who help make these vital career pathways a reality across advanced manufacturing, automotive tech, healthcare, and education:

🔹 Mt. Olive Pickle Company Inc.
🔹 Smithfield Foods
🔹 Team Chevrolet of Goldsboro
🔹 UNC Health Wayne
🔹 Wayne County Public Schools

As graduate speaker Alan Rangel Vargas put it: "For some of us, this apprenticeship was the first foot in the door for our careers. For others, it’s a way to climb the corporate ladder. But for all of us, this has been an absolutely incredible experience."

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 apprentices. We are proud of you and look forward to the great things you are going to do. 💙🦬💛

🎉🎓 Apprenticeship Wayne would like to congratulate Journeyman Timothy Hyde on completing his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Systems Technology degree from East Carolina University. Tim was in the first apprenticeship class from Wayne Community College in 2022 and continued his studies at ECU.

Apprenticeships can be the start of a great career path for students and employers, and have the potential to build a stronger workforce.

Tim keeping reaching for the stars, and know you are an example to many that you never give up on yourself!

We had an incredible time celebrating our apprentices at our Journeyman Ceremony! 🎓

Graduate 🎓 Spotlight 🔦

Patrick Holloman is graduating with his AAS degree in Industrial Systems Technology. Holloman is an apprentice with Smithfield Foods as a Maintenance Technician.

When asked what the apprenticeship program means to you, he replied, "The apprenticeship program has meant a great deal to me over the past four years. When I first joined, I was looking for a path that would allow me to support my family while continuing my education, and this program made that possible. It gave me the opportunity to gain real-world experience while working toward my associate degree, which has been both challenging and rewarding.

Along the way, I’ve grown not just in my technical skills, but also in my confidence, discipline, and sense of responsibility. Being able to balance work, school, and family has pushed me to become more focused and resilient. The support and guidance I’ve received throughout the program have played a big role in helping me reach this point.

As I get ready to graduate, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. This apprenticeship hasn’t just been a job or an educational path—it’s been a foundation for my future and a meaningful step toward providing stability and opportunity for my family."

Graduate 🎓 Spotlight 🔦

Logan Spence is graduating with his AAS degree in Industrial Systems Technology. Spence is an apprentice with Smithfield Foods as a Maintenance Technician.

When asked what the apprenticeship program means to you, he replied, "The apprenticeship has been a great way to gain on the job experience while also gaining knowledge in the classroom. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the apprenticeship program."

Graduate 🎓 Spotlight 🔦

Justin Gooding is graduating with his Diploma in Industrial Systems Technology. Gooding is an is an apprentice with Smithfield Foods as a Maintenance Technician.

When asked what the apprenticeship program means to you, he replied, "Joining an apprenticeship and working toward becoming a journeyman has been a life-changing opportunity for me and my family. It has given me the chance to earn a steady income while learning valuable skills that will support me for years to come. Through this program, I’ve developed discipline, confidence, and a strong work ethic, all while building a clear career path. For my family, it has meant greater financial stability and peace of mind, knowing that I am working toward a secure future. It has also set a positive example, showing that hard work and commitment can open doors and create lasting opportunities."

Graduate 🎓 Spotlight 🔦

Shonisha Mayhue is graduating with her AAS degree in Nursing. Mayhue is an apprentice with UNC Health Wayne as a Registered Nurse.

When asked what the apprenticeship program means to you, she replied, "The apprenticeship program has played a really big role in my journey. Even though I came in with LPN experience, this program gave me the opportunity to grow in the hospital setting and gain more hands-on experience with acute patient care and bedside nursing. Working alongside experienced nurses helped build my confidence and strengthen my skills. This experience has truly prepared me for my transition into the RN role, and I’m grateful for the opportunity and everything it has taught me."

Graduate 🎓 Spotlight 🔦

David Thomas is graduating with his AAS degree in Industrial Systems Technology. Thomas is an apprentice with Smithfield Foods as a Maintenance Technician.

When asked what the apprenticeship program means to you, he replied, "This program has been a great thing for me and my family. It has helped me out financially, and it has helped me become a great maintenance technician. I am very grateful for this opportunity. Anyone can do it."