LILLINGTON - Central Carolina Community College student Lee Benjamin, of Sanford, learned a lot about Cree, Inc., when company recruiters visited the college's Harnett County Campus. He liked what he saw and heard.

"Cree is such an industry leader and it's innovative," said Benjamin, a second-year Laser and Photonics Technology student. "What they do is very interesting. It would be something to be able to work for the company and say I helped bring something to market."

Cree, headquartered in Durham, was started in 1987 by five researchers from N.C. State University. It has grown into an international leader in research, innovation and production in light-emitting diode (LED) and radio frequency (RF) technologies.

Cree Human Resources personnel Tyler Bennett and Amy Brandt, as well as Winston Parker, a laser fabrication manager, visited the college Feb. 26 to talk about the company with 18 students in the laser and photonics, electronics engineering, and computer engineering programs.

"We're reaching out to fill technician positions," Bennett said. "We've had success with the CCCC students who have worked a semester for us while in school and then continue as full-time employees. The students coming out of the program are very flexible and have a knowledge of the technical aspects we need."

They spoke about the company, its growth, and some of the lighting projects it has done around the world, including the Water Cube and Bird's Nest at the 2008 Olympics in China. They then answered questions from the students. Following that, the students were invited to give their resumes to the Cree presenters, who spent time talking with them one-on-one.

"Cree is a great place to work - I have several students working there already," said Gary Beasley, lead instructor for the college's Laser and Photonics Technology program. "The students have worked hard, and for a big employer like Cree to come and talk to them, it's a magic moment for them."

Beasley said he keeps the students' training up-to-date through feedback from Cree and other companies. The engineering programs also have an advisory committee of industry members who know what is happening in industry and what skills employers are looking for when they hire.

Eric West, second year laser and photonics student, was among those who turned in their resumes.

"The Cree presentation was exciting, amazing," he said. "I was intrigued with what I heard. I would like to get a job there."

For more information about engineering technologies programs offered at CCCC, visit www.cccc.edu.