Local High Schoolers Participate in Apprenticeship Day at Blue Ridge Community College

Featured photo: Local high schoolers learn about apprenticeship pathways during Apprenticeship Day. (Photo credit: Rich Keen)

Marketing & Communications Dept.

This National Apprenticeship Week, November 17 – 23, 89 high school seniors from Henderson County’s five public high schools attended Blue Ridge Community College’s Apprenticeship Day.

The event began with a warm welcome from Blue Ridge President Dr. Laura Leatherwood, followed by insights from Blue Ridge leaders about the opportunities available to students throughout the day. Emily Martin from the Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development highlighted exciting apprenticeship opportunities in the dynamic world of advanced manufacturing.

Students explored apprenticeships of interest by breaking into groups to learn more about the Automotive, Business and Banking, Construction, Early Childhood Education, Electrical, HVAC, Manufacturing, and Plumbing pathways. During the breakout sessions, students engaged with employers, current apprentices, and Blue Ridge faculty and staff. They gained valuable insights by diving into the ins and outs of the careers. 

To wrap up the day, students had the opportunity to complete applications for Apprenticeship Blue Ridge while still on campus—and 71 attendees applied!  

Special thanks to the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce for providing a pizza lunch, and to the following employers for their participation:  

A-American Electric
Benton Roofing
Champion Credit Union
Elkamet, Inc.
Jabil Inc
Jackson Electrical Contractors
Linamar Light Metals
Quality Rubber
T.P. Howard’s Plumbing
WNC Source

Blue Ridge expresses heartfelt gratitude to the Henderson County Public School Career and Technical Education team and the high school counselors for coordinating and bringing the students to this inspiring event!

Learn more about apprenticeship opportunities at Blue Ridge Community College at www.blueridge.edu/apprentice.