Caterpillar Youth Apprenticeship Celebrates 12 Years of Success

Strategic Insights -

The Caterpillar Youth Apprenticeship in Welding, a partnership among Caterpillar, Central Carolina Community College, and Lee County Schools, has celebrated the graduation of its eighth class of students. This innovative program trains high school students for a high-demand career and provides the skilled workforce needed for Caterpillar and other high-tech industries to succeed. Since its inception, the program has been praised by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and has become a model for youth apprenticeships across the nation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Caterpillar Youth Apprenticeship in Welding has been in operation for over 12 years, training high school students for a high-demand career in welding.
  • The program is a partnership among Caterpillar, Central Carolina Community College, and Lee County Schools, providing students with hands-on training and work experience.
  • Graduates receive a 12-hour Industrial Systems Certificate from CCCC, a High School Recognition Certificate from the North Carolina Community College System, accrued work hours that will be applied toward their adult apprenticeship, and a preferred employment opportunity at Caterpillar in Sanford.
  • The program has been praised by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation as a "partnership worth repeating" and is considered a model for youth apprenticeships across the nation.
  • Class of 2023 graduates include Travis Brown, Vivian Cole, Alvaro Herrera-Alvarado, Jackson Howell, Caleb Jackson, William "Gabe" Little, Isaiah Taylor, and Felyx Turrubiates.
  • The program provides students with work experience, income, and a taste of college, preparing them for the world ahead.
  • The Class of 2025 inductees, including Timothy Bullard, Joshua Caballero, Danis Cabrera Benitez, Alan Espana Maravilla, Alicia Garcia, Camden Johnson, Bryton Kelly, Alex Lecorchick, Eric Morales, Eric Noyola Rivera, Zuleima Torres Ortiz, Julien Popoca, Zachary Rowan, Grace Shover, Kyle Shrestha, and Braxton Varner, were welcomed during the ceremony.
  • Caterpillar Section Manager Dan Johnson commended everyone on stage for accepting the challenge and opportunity that the new inductees cannot yet fully imagine.

Statistics:

  • 8 students graduated from the Caterpillar Youth Apprenticeship in Welding in the Class of 2023.
  • 25-minute graduation ceremony was attended by approximately 80 people, including family, friends, and faculty members.
  • 12-hour Industrial Systems Certificate was awarded to graduates.
  • High School Recognition Certificate from the North Carolina Community College System was awarded to graduates.
  • Accumulated work hours that will be applied toward adult apprenticeship were awarded to graduates.
  • Preferred employment opportunity at Caterpillar in Sanford was offered to graduates.
  • Caterpillar Youth Apprenticeship has been in operation for over 12 years.

Sources:

  • Central Carolina Community College press release, May 22.
  • U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, 2013.
  • North Carolina Community College System.