LILLINGTON - The new Central Carolina Apprenticeship Works program in Computer-Integrated Machining will hold a Parents Night event on Thursday, Feb. 5, at the Central Carolina Community College Harnett County Campus. The event will begin at 6 p.m. in Room 142 of the Samuel R. Miriello Building.

The event is open to interested Harnett County's high school junior class members and their parents, as the program's year one is set for the student's high school senior year. The event also is open to Harnett County's high school sophomores, who may be considering the program, and their parents.

"This apprenticeship in Computer Integrated Machining is a wonderful opportunity for high school students. It allows them to actually work and earn while they are enrolled in high school and college," said Dr. Stephen Athans, CCCC's Dean of Vocational & Technical Programs. "It provides students with two years of free college and sets them up for a career that is in high demand and has excellent pay and benefits."

The Central Carolina Apprenticeship Works program in Computer-Integrated Machining - a partnership between Central Carolina Community College and Harnett County Schools - is a three-year apprenticeship program that prepares students for employment in the metalworking and manufacturing industries. Apprentices, in their high school senior year, begin taking machining-related classes at Central Carolina Community College, and working part-time five days per week. Following their senior year of high school, successful apprentices will have earned a 17-hour college Certificate in Machining Technology.

Apprentices continue their education at the college and continue working with industry following high school graduation. At the completion of year two of the program, successful apprentices will have earned a 40-hour college Diploma in Machining Technology. At the end of year three, successful apprentices will have earned a 76-hour Associate in Applied Science Degree in Computer-Integrated Machining Technology with an emphasis in Tool, Die, and Mold Making. Hours accrued while in the program will be credited toward their apprenticeship.

The program - a registered apprenticeship with the N.C. Department of Commerce - allows students to have a paid work experience while they are enrolled in college courses and provides valuable "hands-on" industry experience, which enriches their learning.

Four Harnett County area companies are participating in the program: Boon Edam, Godwin Manufacturing, JMK Tool and Die, and Ruhl Tech Engineering.

"Central Carolina Apprenticeship Works program provides a unique way to engage our students in an environment that not only provides quality classroom instruction, but also hands-on real world experience," said Patrick Kelly, CCCC's Coordinator of Student Outreach and Partnerships.

Students chosen for the program will take part in a four-night orientation program this spring.

For more information on the Central Carolina Apprenticeship Works program, Harnett County students can contact the Central Carolina Works advisor or the Career Development Coordinator at their respective high schools.

For more information on Central Carolina Community College, visit www.cccc.edu.