SANFORD - Seventeen individuals were recently recognized as members of this year's graduating class from the Caterpillar Youth Apprentice Program. In addition, the newest program inductees were recognized.

The Caterpillar Youth Apprenticeship Program is a partnership that includes Central Carolina Community College, Lee County Schools, Caterpillar's Sanford plant, and the N.C. Department of Commerce.

Dr. James C. "Jimmie" Williamson, President-elect of the N.C. Community College System, presented the keynote remarks. "You all have been given a gift and you are about to receive a gift. And the gift you have been given is the training that will take you to the next decade and beyond," said Dr. Williamson, who will serve as the eighth president of the N.C. Community College System. "What an exciting night and we're very proud of you from the North Carolina Community College System."

Student speaker was Hayden Douglas of Southern Lee High School. "I thought it would be a good learning experience and also wanted to learn a trade such as welding," said Douglas, who noted that his parents supported his dreams. "The Caterpillar program made me excited to come to school." His advice for the new program inductees - respect your classmates, listen to your instructors, and have a good time.

The Caterpillar Youth Apprentice Program in welding was developed by, and is a partnership among, Caterpillar, CCCC, Lee County Schools, and the N.C. Department of Commerce. The goal of the program is to train high school students through their junior and senior years for critical, high-demand, well-paying careers in welding, as well as to help provide the skilled workforce Caterpillar and other modern industries need.

The students continue their high school studies during their junior and senior years while taking welding and manufacturing-related classes. They train at CCCC's Lee County Campus or its Industry Training Center at the Lee County Innovation Center three days a week and work/train at Caterpillar two days per week.

Successful and qualifying students will receive:

• 12-hour Welding Certificate from Central Carolina Community College.
• High School Recognition Certificate from the N.C. Department of Commerce.
• Career Readiness Certificate.
• Work hours accrued will be applied toward their adult apprenticeship.
• A preferred employment opportunity at Caterpillar, Inc.

Brad Crace, Caterpillar Operations Manager, welcomed those in attendance.

Annette Atkins, Caterpillar Training Consultant, presented an overview of the CAT Welding and Manufacturing Engineer Apprenticeships.

Martin Kegel, Caterpillar Fabrications Operations Manager, inducted the Class of 2018 and presented the graduating Class of 2016.

Dr. Pamela Howze of the N.C. Department of Commerce, Lee County Schools Supt. Dr. Andy Bryan, and Central Carolina Community College President Dr. T.E. Marchant presented welcome and remarks.

Among those attending the event were N.C. State Rep. Brad Salmon, Lee County Commissioner Kirk Smith, and Tamara Brogan of the Lee County Schools' Board of Education.

Members of the Welding graduating class are James Byrd, Robert Cockerham, Aidan Dorman, Hayden Douglas, Isidro Castaneda-Flores, Michael Godfrey, Patrick Hinzman, Hannah Jones, Andrew Lin, Robert Marble, Matthew Mutchler, Zachary Powers, Nathan Repko, Edgar Terrones, and Josh Zammaron.

The newest Welding program inductees are Jacob Wilson, James Arellano, Eliu Carrillo, Hailey Young, Amy McPherson, Jocelyn Miranda, Jeremy Cotton, Hunter Cox, Zachary Gautier, David Heldt, Clay Lynch, Noe Ninas-Rivera, Jared Oldham, Kaylee Arnold, and Jonathan Terrell.

CAT-Manufacturing Engineering graduates are Storm Whitehead and Saul Vivas.

Following the graduation and induction program, a tour of the Caterpillar facility was available to the attendees.

For more information on the Caterpillar Youth Apprenticeship Program, contact Dr. Stephen Athans, CCCC Dean of Vocational & Technical Programs, at 919-718-7287 or email sathans@cccc.edu.