ASHEBORO — Several businesses representing local industries took part in this month’s Apprenticeship Randolph.
A three-day event welcomed new high school applicants as part of orientation week.
“We are seeing a renewed focus on manufacturing and skilled trades in our state and certainly here in Randolph County,” said David Hursey, director of existing industry for Randolph County Economic Development. “These young students are taking the first steps in a pathway that will lead many to six figure careers. Some will eventually start their own business after they learn necessary skills, the important thing to know is career opportunities exist right here in our county that do not require a 4-year degree or college debt.
The program included a tour of Randolph Community College, hands-on exercises in areas such as machining, mechatronics, metrology, measurements and spatial visualization, along with team-building activities focused on lean manufacturing principles, according to information from RCEDC.
Participating companies included Dart, Energizer, Hubbell Industrial Controls, Oliver Rubber Company, Pemmco Manufacturing, Post Consumer Brands, Sapona Plastics and United Brass Works. Those companies made presentations and worked with students through networking and interview-style interactions.
Apprenticeship Randolph provides a combination of classroom instruction with paid, on-the-job training.
