Empowering Careers: NCC and OIC Join Forces!
Beginning on Feb. 13, 2024, and completing on April 4, 2024, seven students completed the requirements of the STEPS4GROWTH Pre-Apprenticeship program at Nash Community College. This program is sponsored by North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (North Carolina A&T).
“Seven remarkable individuals embarked on such a journey as they proudly completed this rigorous program, and we couldn’t be more excited for them,” said Rhonda High, director of corporate training and apprenticeship programs and STEPS4GROWTH regional coordinator at NCC.
NCC is deeply committed to illuminating the pathways to success in these cutting-edge fields.
“Since the program’s inception at NCC in June 2023, the S4G program has been a guiding light for high school students, offering 96 hours of transformative Continuing Education curriculum designed to sculpt the workforce of tomorrow,” said High.
High serves as the STEPS4GROWTH Regional Coordinator and has been a driving force behind the expansion of the programs and its offerings for NCC participants.
“Under the guidance of High, this Spring Cohort empowered students to seek avenues for career growth and professional expansion,” said Dr. Stephanie Credle, STEPS4GROWTH student support specialist at NCC. “NCC has also been able to develop a strategic partnership with the Opportunities Industrialization Center, Inc. (OIC).”
Through this collaboration, two OIC students and five NCC students emerged as trailblazers, equipped with an arsenal of skills and credentials. All students must score a Bronze level (or higher) on the ACT WorkKeys Assessment and will then complete 96 seated hours of education. Upon completion of the program, students receive certifications such as OSHA-10, Lean Six Sigma (Yellow Belt), Working Smart and NC Apprenticeship Certification.
“This list of formidable certifications is guaranteed to catapult them into the forefront of the industries they intend to build a career in,” said High.
The journey didn’t end with classroom instruction.
“These aspiring professionals were given a chance to showcase their newfound expertise through interviews with premier businesses like GPX Storage, Rocky Mount Electric Motors and Belt Concepts,” said Dr. Credle. “They also participated in a hands-on tour and safety inspection at Hubble, Inc., providing invaluable real-world insights, further enriching their learning experience.”
The NCC and OIC partnership provides hope and opportunity for Nash County job seekers. The next cohort is set to commence in May 2024, welcoming graduating seniors and eager OIC participants.
“The stage is set for yet another chapter of transformative growth and success, and we couldn’t be more ready to educate future leaders,” said High.
For those ready to seize the reins of their future and embark on a journey of discovery and achievement, the S4G Pre-Apprenticeship program awaits. To learn more, reach out to the S4G Student Support Specialist, Dr. Stephanie Hampton Credle, at 252-451-8492 or via email at shcredle604@nashcc.edu. You can also learn more by contacting Director High at 252-451-8379 or rhigh592@nashcc.edu.
