WPCC Students Accepted into Registered Apprenticeship Program

Pictured, from left, are Kenneth Winstead, Jonas Poteat, Dean of Applied Technologies Michael Daniels, Will Mejia, Erick Velasquez and Samuel Byars.

August 18, 2021 – For the fifth consecutive year of the partnership, Western Piedmont Community College is proud to announce this year’s group of selected students for a Registered Apprenticeship Program at Continental Automotive Systems, a worldwide automotive products manufacturer, in Morganton, NC.

Pioneering a way for the future, WPCC has partnered with Continental Automotive Systems to provide opportunities for students to earn while they learn. Program students pursue their education while also working as full-time employees, receiving a wage progression throughout the Registered Apprenticeship.

The process begins in high school when students are selected based on their interests and abilities. Continental Automotive Systems works alongside the students while they utilize their hands and take aptitude tests. At the end of the process, best fit students are selected for the program and typically attend the community college they live closest to.

“I’m so excited to start my apprenticeship because it allows me to continue studying and develop the right skills for later in my career path,” student Erick Velasquez said.

All students are hired at an entry technician level. Upon completion of the apprenticeship, students receive a Registered Apprenticeship Card from North Carolina that is a portable credential and can be carried and recognized anywhere in the country.

“I did an apprenticeship by accident when I was this age because, through my advisor, I stumbled across a similar opportunity. I know from experience that going to class about a subject and doing it at work is the best way to learn,” Dean of Applied Technologies Michael Daniels said. “It’s an incredible opportunity where you are working on the job, pursuing your education, working under engineers and making a living.”

Scholarship opportunities are available and this year, tuition is provided to these apprentices through the NC Apprenticeship Educational Assistance Fund. For more information on apprenticeships or work-based learning opportunities, contact Michael Daniels, Dean, Applied Technologies at mdaniels@wpcc.edu.