Valdese Weavers Recognizes First Apprentice to Participate in WPCC’s PACE Program
Western Piedmont Community College held a signing ceremony on Monday, August 8th to recognize Valdese Weavers employee Tom Keoveunexay for joining WPCC’s PACE Apprenticeship Program.
Valdese Weavers recently joined PACE this summer and Keoveunexay, who has been with the company a year and a half, is the first employee to participate in the program.
“I am most excited to further my education. I came here to work in maintenance and my supervisor is getting me in the position to do more electrical work. I am hoping to gain more knowledge in the field that I am in now,” apprentice Tom Keoveunexay said. “Without Valdese Weavers, I would have never had this opportunity and I thank them for supporting me.”
PACE, which stands for Partnership for Apprenticeship and Career Exploration provides apprenticeship opportunities to workers for them to receive specialized training to enhance their job skills. Apprentices are paid while in the program along with earning an educational credential to demonstrate training.
“I can only imagine when you [WPCC] assess the value of the program, this is the perfect example in our eyes of how the program helps. It helps the community and helps local businesses,” Valdese Weavers Chief Operating Office Roger Berrier said. “Thank you for letting us participate and Tom participate.”
Dean of Workforce and Continuing Education Rick Furse shared that WPCC is committed to helping apprentices match their interests with a company that can help them achieve their goals.
“WPCC is very excited to be the sponsor of the ground-breaking PACE apprenticeship program. We are committed to creating pathways for Burke County residents into rewarding careers in a wide range of companies,” Furse said. “Through PACE, apprentices can earn while they learn a set of skills that will lead to a well-paying, high-tech career.”
To become a PACE partner, apprentice, or learn more about the program visit online at wpcc.edu/pace.