Alan Rangel Vargas participated in Wayne Community College’s first pre-apprenticeship program last summer to explore career opportunities. His experience in the program opened many doors for him, including a registered apprenticeship with Mt. Olive Pickle Company.
Career exploration
When Vargas was considering his future after graduating from Spring Creek High School in 2024, he applied for and was accepted into WCC’s advanced manufacturing pre-apprenticeship academy. He had already developed a love of welding and was interested in what he could learn about the manufacturing industry.
The Southeastern Education and Economic Development (SEED) pre-apprenticeship program held at WCC was created by the North Carolina Business Committee for Education and sponsored by Smithfield Foods. The program offers participants a paid education, hands-on learning experience, weekly field trips to local businesses, and college credit through classroom instruction.
Through the SEED program, Vargas learned new skills in engineering, maintenance, machining, industrial systems, and mechatronics. SEED also gained statewide exposure, and Vargas was able to meet Roy Cooper, former NC governor, and was invited to the governor’s mansion to represent SEED in a panel discussion.
Approaching the end of the seven-week program, Vargas became interested in continuing with a registered apprenticeship. Kristie Sauls, WCC executive director of apprenticeships and career development, shared his resume with WCC’s employer partners. On the last day of the SEED academy, Mt. Olive Pickle Company hired Vargas as an engineering apprentice.
Learning by doing
As an apprentice, Vargas attends classes for WCC’s Mechanical Engineering Technology program one day a week to help teach him the skills he needs in his job. “My experience at WCC has been wonderful,” he shared. “They have a system where it’s very balanced for the student and a lot less stressful than I thought it would be.”
WCC’s Mechanical Engineering Technology program prepares students for careers as engineering technicians, who earn an average annual salary of $59,240 in NC. The program offers an associate in applied science degree and several certificates. Interested students can also pursue a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology from East Carolina University through their transfer partnership with WCC.
In addition to his schoolwork, Vargas enjoys having a job at Mt. Olive Pickle Company that provides variety in his day-to-day tasks. “We do anything from designing machines to manufacturing new products, and we’re always trying to improve our machinery. I love it,” he said. “Hopefully, I’ll stay with Mt. Olive Pickle Company for years to come after the apprenticeship ends.”
Finding a career path
Vargas believes his experience in SEED prepared him for his four-year registered apprenticeship. “It really gave me a good understanding of what it’s going to take to be an apprentice,” he said. “It’s hands-on experience, which is what you’ll be doing at work, not just learning from a book.”
Participating in SEED led Vargas to his career. Because of the doors the SEED program opened for him, he would encourage other students to consider applying for WCC’s pre-apprenticeship academies. “Take every opportunity that you can. Wayne Community College is a great start,” Vargas said.
The deadline to apply for WCC’s SEED advanced manufacturing and agriculture academies is Friday, Feb. 14. Applicants must attend an information session to be accepted. Learn more and apply on SEED’s website.
To learn more about apprenticeships at WCC, contact Sauls (kjsauls@waynecc.edu or 919-739-7063) or visit the Apprenticeship Wayne website.