BRCC column: Preparing high school grads for success through apprenticeship programs

In honor of National Manufacturing Month this month and National Apprenticeship Week next month, I would like to discuss one of our area’s leading industries, advanced manufacturing, and spotlight an apprenticeship program that is preparing local high school graduates for real-world success and meeting workforce needs.

Did you know that there are 140 manufacturers in Henderson County? These manufacturers employ 11 percent of our workforce – more than 5,700 people – and offer one of the highest average annual salaries at nearly $54,000 as compared to other industry sectors according to the Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development (HCPED).

CHANGING PERCEPTIONS

Despite promising industry growth, there is a need to change students’ perceptions of what modern manufacturing is in the 21st century. No longer the dark industrial spaces from decades past, today’s manufacturers feature bright, technologically advanced environments that require skilled workers with knowledge of robotics, computers, and/or telecommunications, among others.

Additionally, many people assume that all manufacturing positions are production-related, but there are diverse, viable career paths within advanced manufacturing, including engineering, finance, human resources, IT, and marketing.

Modern manufacturing is already here in Henderson County, but we must re-educate students about this emerging sector to fill the workforce pipeline with highly skilled local talent. As Shanda Bedoian, director of corporate and customized training at Blue Ridge, shared with me, America was built on apprenticeships, and manufacturing apprenticeship programs are growing as manufacturers are more engaged in communities and forming strategic partnerships to address the skills gap and show the multitude of pathways that are open to employees.

CONNECTING INDUSTRY AND EDUCATION

Blue Ridge Community College, HCPED, Henderson County Public Schools, Elkamet, GF Linamar, Meritor, and WestRock recently launched the Made in Henderson County Apprenticeship Program to connect industry and education in raising the visibility of manufacturing as a viable career path.

With no cost to enroll and free tuition, high school graduates will gain valuable hard and soft skills in the program by taking classes at Blue Ridge, working for one of our high-tech industry partners, and making money immediately out of high school. Apprentices will complete the program after two years by earning a certificate in Mechatronics Engineering Technology and receiving a full-time job offer.

Currently, the Made in Henderson County Apprenticeship Program is at full capacity with 20 apprentices in the first cohort. According to Christine Laucher, program coordinator, “It is magical to offer these real-world opportunities to local high school students, especially those who are figuring out their career paths, as we are teaching the problem solvers of today to earn the jobs of tomorrow.”

MEET MELISSA AND RUSSELL

Upon graduation from North Henderson High School, Melissa Bell started working at Elkamet as a finisher. She heard about the Made in Henderson County Apprenticeship Program after working at Elkamet for 11 months, and she knew that it would expand her knowledge of Elkamet and the manufacturing industry at-large.

Melissa aspires to be an engineer at Elkamet. “I would recommend this program to interested students as you shouldn’t pass up this opportunity to gain real-world experience and earn money while you learn the skills that employers are looking for,” she explained.

Originally, Hendersonville High School Graduate Russell Hopkin didn’t know what he wanted to pursue after graduation. He enjoyed hands-on learning, and he wanted to stay close to home while starting a career soon after high school.

Russell signed up for the Made in Henderson County Apprenticeship Program after his parents read an article about the program launch. Since starting his apprenticeship in August, he is thoroughly enjoying his experiences at Blue Ridge and GF Linamar where he is learning about automotive parts.

"You can feel how much you mean to the GF Linamar team because you’re the future of their company, and it boosts your confidence,” said Russell.

At Blue Ridge, we remain dedicated to preparing the next generation like Melissa and Russell for success in advanced manufacturing through strategic partnerships and work-based learning opportunities. Interested students can apply for the second cohort of the Made in Henderson County Apprenticeship Program this March. To learn more, visit www.blueridge.edu/academics/made-henderson-county-apprenticeship-program.

Laura B. Leatherwood is president of Blue Ridge Community College