SCC joins forces with area school systems and industry partners for bi-annual advisory council meeting, apprenticeship completers recognized

Southeastern Community College hosted the bi-annual Fall Business and Industry Advisory Council Meeting on Sept. 25 in Nesmith Student Center. In partnership with SCC, Whiteville City Schools and Columbus County Schools, more than 90 local business and industry partners gathered to eat dinner, network, discuss workforce issues and provide solutions. SCC recognized three apprentices and one pre-apprentice for completing the program at the meeting. 

SCC President Dr. Chris English encouraged all industry partners to be curious about the apprenticeship program. He said that a good apprenticeship journey starts in high school as a pre-apprentice because it could lead to free tuition for the student. Within 120 days of graduation, a pre-apprentice can apply to become a registered apprentice and qualify for earning their associate’s degree at no tuition cost.  

“So, how does the employer benefit from that?” English asked the council meeting audience. “You already have that student engaged in your line of work, and you get to work with their instructors along the way. The employer qualifies for salary reimbursement through NCWorks for up to 90 days, and that’s significant for you as a business owner.” 

English explained that taking advantage of the apprenticeship program is a “win-win situation” where “you are literally growing our own in front of your eyes.” Denise Young, Director of Apprenticeships, presented each apprentice with a certificate and described their accomplishments in their line of work. The certificates were awarded by Apprenticeship NC for the students completing a start registered apprenticeship.  

“Apprenticeship is not just about training,” Young said. “It’s about creating pathways to meaningful careers, meeting the needs of local employers and providing our students with the skills to succeed.” 

Jadon Lee, who was not present at the meeting, is a 2025 West Columbus High School graduate. Lee participated in the pre-apprenticeship program with Council Tool Company during this past spring semester, where he is currently employed full-time now. He successfully completed the pre-apprenticeship program as a mechatronic technician. 

MLT graduate Caroline Summerour said her favorite part of her apprenticeship at Columbus Regional Healthcare System was “being able to work and go to school, and it helped me get through school a lot.” She recommends anyone to do an apprenticeship because of the hands-on experience and it helping her secure a full-time job at CRHS. Summerour is an adult learner who returned to SCC to earn her associate’s degree in MLT after already completing an associates of science degree.  

Kisa McDuffie completed her apprenticeship as a clinical medical assistant at CRHS and is working full-time there as a medication reconciliation technician. Her favorite part of the apprenticeship was learning about “all the laboratory tests that a medical assistant can do.” With multiple certifications as a phlebotomist, certified nurse aide and medication technician, she said these stacked credentials helped her as an apprentice and helped solidify her decision to return to SCC for the associate degree nursing program soon.  

Keslynn Pait completed her apprenticeship at SCC’s Child Development Center, and she enjoyed the hands-on and visual experience of seeing how a preschool operates. Pait explained that working and completing coursework at the same time helped her more than reading a textbook. She commended the CDC’s staff for teaching her all the rules and procedures of the preschool. Pait graduated with her associate’s degree in early childhood education, and she is working part-time at the CDC with a pathway to full-time status.  

After the apprenticeship completers were recognized, English urged industry partners to engage with SCC staff and instructors during the break-out sessions, ask questions, figure out what is working and not working, come up with solutions and set up a plan of action. 

“We are deeply serious about growing a strong, productive workforce for the industry that we have,” said Dr. Jonathan Williams, WCS Superintendent. “In doing that, it will always attract more industry. It all starts in high school as a pre-apprentice, moving them into apprenticeships and providing the workforce this county needs to thrive.” 

Staff, instructors and industry partners dispersed across campus to meet in classrooms that coincided with their respective industry field. Industry partners represented careers and areas of study in electrical lineman, truck driving, audio/video production technology, early childhood education, teacher preparation, university transfer, agribusiness technology, business, construction, welding, automotive, nursing, nurse aide and public safety.