Apprenticeship Blue Ridge Graduates 13 Across Three Pathways

Featured photo: Industrial Systems apprenticeship graduates with their instructor. Left to right: Instructor Shawn McCallister, Chyanne Wright, Anthony Mullings, Azeneth Arellano-Rios, Patricia Banegas-Melgar, Stephen Carpenter and Chris Kilcoyne. Photo by Rich Keen.

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Blue Ridge Community College recently held a multi-cohort graduation ceremony celebrating the 13 graduates of the nationally-recognized Apprenticeship Blue Ridge program. The three apprenticeship areas represented at the ceremony were Industrial Systems, Machining Tool & Die, and Construction.

Apprenticeship Blue Ridge at Blue Ridge Community College is an NC Registered Apprenticeship program that blends hands-on learning with on-the-job training, allowing participants to earn while they learn. Apprentices work under the guidance of experienced professionals while taking college courses that directly apply to their work and field. At the May 11 ceremony, several employers attended to support their apprenticeship employees.

Executive Vice President of Programs Dr. Connie Wolf welcomed the graduates and attendees on behalf of the College and commended the apprentices for their dedication.

“You have juggled work and classes and life over a long period of time with success. Your hard work will be rewarded with opportunities to improve your life and your families’ lives,” Dr. Wolfe said.

Director of Corporate & Customized Training Shanda Bedoian congratulated the graduates and expressed the importance of their fields in the community.

“An apprenticeship is more than a pathway to a career. It is a transformational journey that strengthens the apprentice, empowers the employers with skilled and dedicated talent, and overall builds a stronger community for today and tomorrow,” Bedoian said. “Every lesson learned, every challenge overcome, and every hour invested creates a lasting impact far beyond the workplace.”

Learn more about applying for the Apprenticeship Blue Ridge program at www.blueridge.edu/apprentice. 

The spring 2026 graduates of Apprenticeship Blue Ridge included, by discipline:

Industrial Systems Apprenticeship:
Azeneth Arellano-Rios
Patricia Banegas-Melgar
Stephen Carpenter
Chris Kilcoyne
Anthony Mullings
Chyanne Wright

Construction Apprenticeship:
Collin Aikey
Casey Milles
Carlos Toscano

Machining Tool & Die Apprenticeship:
Henry Feige
Zachary Hoglen
Kasey McConnell
Leland Ormsby