GOLDSBORO, N.C. – Wayne Community College’s Apprenticeship Wayne honored its first cohort of electrical apprentices for completing their program.
The electrical apprentices received journeyman certificates from ApprenticeshipNC and the United States Department of Labor during a recognition ceremony held at WCC.
Throughout the four-year program, the apprentices received on-the-job training at either Pitt Electric or Allegiance Industries while attending online classes through WCC.
WCC President Patty Pfeiffer said the apprentices have built a strong foundation that will serve them well throughout their careers. “Your hard work has paid off, and you are well prepared for all the opportunities this will present you with in the future,” she told the apprentices at the recognition ceremony.
Allegiance Industries Director of Electrical Operations Peter Kearns said the ceremony marked the moment the apprentices became professionals. “The skills and habits you developed here can take you farther than you may realize today,” said Kearns.
Pitt Electric President Greg Philligin commended the apprentices for their persistence in balancing work and school. “You have demonstrated to your current and future employers that you’re willing to stick with something,” he said.
WCC Dean of Applied Technologies Ernie White, who also served as the apprentices’ electrical instructor, thanked the employer partners for their essential role in the apprenticeship program, which he said was a team effort.
“Your willingness to hire apprentices, support classroom instruction, provide mentorship, and allow employees time to grow professionally demonstrates your commitment not just to your organization but to the future of our industry and community,” White said.
Christopher Neumann, graduating apprentice with Allegiance Industries, has worked as a commercial electrician for 15 years and entered the apprenticeship program to receive more in-depth training. During the ceremony, he spoke about the knowledge he has gained over the last four years.
“Even with a decade of experience in the field, I still found myself learning plenty of things each year,” Neumann said. “The classes gave me exactly what I was hoping for when I signed up: a better understanding of our trade.”
The 14 electrical apprentices and their employers, listed by city of residence, are:
Dallas
Joseph Adams, Pitt Electric
Deep Run
Gavin Golden, Allegiance Industries
Dudley
Kolby Anderson, Allegiance Industries
Farmville
Kyle Pietro, Pitt Electric
Goldsboro
Brannon Presson, Allegiance Industries
Greenville
Thomas Austin, Pitt Electric
Isaiah Lopez-Rivera, Pitt Electric
Hampstead
Elias Owings, Pitt Electric
Holly Ridge
Joseph Batton, Pitt Electric
Jacksonville
Christopher Neumann, Allegiance Industries
Kinston
Nyles Byme, Allegiance Industries
La Grange
Vincent Ybarra, Allegiance Industries
Princeton
Jason Mitchell, Allegiance Industries
Wilmington
Carson Gritton, Pitt Electric
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