GOLDSBORO, N.C. — Wayne Community College recently recognized 18 apprentices who completed programs through Apprenticeship Wayne during a special ceremony celebrating their achievements.
The apprentices balanced on-the-job training with classroom instruction while earning associate degrees from WCC and journeyman certificates through ApprenticeshipNC and the United States Department of Labor.
This year’s graduates represented five employer partners and six occupations in industries including advanced manufacturing, automotive technology, healthcare, and education. Participating employers included Mt. Olive Pickle Company, Smithfield Foods, Team Chevrolet of Goldsboro, UNC Health Wayne, and Wayne County Public Schools.
During the ceremony, WCC President Patty Pfeiffer praised the apprentices for their dedication and perseverance.
“These apprentices have demonstrated the power of learning while earning,” Pfeiffer said.
Dr. Jessie Tucker, president and CEO of UNC Health Wayne, commended the college’s apprenticeship efforts and encouraged graduates to recognize the impact they have within their workplaces and the community.
“You’ve done a fabulous job of completing this very rigorous effort, and I appreciate all that you will contribute to our community as you go forward,” Tucker said.
WCC Industrial Systems Instructor Eddie Carter reflected on the skills apprentices developed throughout the program.
“The training you’ve received at Wayne Community College has prepared you to step into your roles where your work directly impacts productivity, safety, and innovation,” Carter said.
Graduate Alan Rangel Vargas, who completed his apprenticeship with Mt. Olive Pickle Company, spoke on behalf of the class during the ceremony.
“We’ve all got different stories,” Vargas said. “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.”
WCC Vice President of Academic and Student Services Kristie Sauls also thanked employer partners for helping expand apprenticeship opportunities across Wayne County.
“Thank you for your vision and for your leadership in developing apprenticeship opportunities,” Sauls said. “Eight years ago, many of these pathways were just an idea. Today, because of you, they are real, and they are growing.”
The apprentices and their occupations, listed by city of residence, are:
Beulaville
Justin Gooding, Smithfield Foods Maintenance Technician
Clinton
Juan Nunez Galeno, Smithfield Foods Maintenance Technician
Eric Osorio Escamilla, Smithfield Foods Maintenance Technician
Dakota Salazar, Smithfield Foods Maintenance Technician
Dudley
Alan Rangel Vargas, Mt. Olive Pickle Company Mechanical Drafter
Fayetteville
Steve Warren, Smithfield Foods Maintenance Technician
Goldsboro
Skye Britton, UNC Health Wayne Medical Laboratory Technician
Clarissa Castrogiovanni, UNC Health Wayne Medical Laboratory Technician
Patrick Scott Holloman, Smithfield Foods Maintenance Technician
Shonisha Mayhue, UNC Health Wayne Registered Nurse
Karrie Smith, Wayne County Public Schools Teacher
Mount Olive
Cynthia Tijerina, UNC Health Wayne Medical Laboratory Technician
Pikeville
Genna Rodriguez, UNC Health Wayne Registered Nurse
Noah Snyder, Team Chevrolet of Goldsboro Automotive Technician
Pink Hill
Logan Spence, Smithfield Foods Maintenance Technician
Princeton
Abbie Henderson, UNC Health Wayne Medical Laboratory Technician
Roseboro
David Thomas, Smithfield Foods Maintenance Technician
Rowland
Jason McCallum, Smithfield Foods Maintenance Technician
