Spring Advisory Committee Meeting highlights apprenticeship as workforce solution for Columbus County

Southeastern Community College hosted its Spring Advisory Committee Meeting on February 26 in the Nesmith Student Center, bringing together education leaders, industry partners, and workforce representatives to strengthen collaboration and build sustainable talent pipelines for Columbus County. 

Held in partnership with Whiteville City Schools and Columbus County Schools, the bi-annual meeting focused on aligning education and industry needs, with pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship serving as the foundation for workforce development discussions throughout the evening. 

Local model gaining statewide attention

Columbus County Schools Superintendent Eddie Beck shared a major milestone for the county, noting that the apprenticeship model developed locally is now being presented at the state level as a framework for other communities across North Carolina. 

“We had the honor today to present to all of the community college presidents and the school superintendents across the state of North Carolina and present the model that we’re using here in Columbus County,” Beck said. “That’s a big deal, because it means our model will be used across the state to help other counties start apprenticeship programs and help their students like we’re helping ours.” 

The meeting opened with welcoming remarks from Ibreta Jackson, Vice President of Administrative Services and Chief Operating Officer at SCC, along with education leaders from both school systems, reinforcing the importance of collaboration across K–12, higher education, and industry. 

Apprenticeship as a workforce solution

Denise Young, SCC’s Director of Apprenticeship Programs, emphasized that apprenticeship is not simply an education program, but a customized workforce solution designed to meet employer needs. She explained that pre-apprenticeship introduces high school students and adult learners to career possibilities, while registered apprenticeship provides paid, hands-on training that helps employers develop reliable, skilled workers who want to stay and build careers in Columbus County. 

“The talent is not coming from somewhere else,” Young said. “The talent is sitting in our classrooms, it’s living in our neighborhoods, and it’s just waiting for the opportunity.” 

Paige Schneider, Registered Apprenticeship Consultant with ApprenticeshipNC, expanded on that message by outlining the structure and impact of registered apprenticeship programs. As North Carolina’s official apprenticeship agency, ApprenticeshipNC works with businesses, colleges, and workforce partners to develop employer-driven programs tailored to specific workforce needs. 

Schneider explained that registered apprenticeship is considered the gold standard of work-based learning, combining paid, hands-on training with classroom instruction, structured wage progression, and nationally recognized credentials. 

“Apprenticeship is not just another word for an internship,” Schneider said. “Apprentices are employees building long-term skills. And they’re building long-term skills at your company, and they’re designed to continue onto employment long into the future.”  

She highlighted how registered apprenticeship supports workforce sustainability by improving employee retention, transferring knowledge from experienced workers nearing retirement, and creating reliable talent pipelines for employers. 

“A national study showed that 90 percent of apprentices who completed their program are still with their company five years later,” Schneider said. “That’s what sets apprenticeship apart. It’s not just to give them a taste of that experience, and then they move on. We want them to stay with your company, and obviously, you guys have invested in them, and you want them to stay, too.” 

Connecting pathways through NCWorks

Building on the discussion of apprenticeship outcomes, Ruth High, SCC’s NCWorks Career Center Manager, highlighted how NCWorks strengthens connections between employers, education, and job seekers. 

High explained that apprenticeship removes barriers by allowing individuals to earn income while gaining skills, experience, and credentials, creating accessible pathways for young adults, career changers, and those who may not see a traditional college path as their first option. 

“For employers, apprenticeships are equally powerful,” High said. “Businesses grow their own skilled workforce. They invest in talent from the local community and shape employees who understand their company’s values, cultures and expectations. It’s a partnership that strengthens not only individual businesses, but our entire local economy. 

Get involved

The meeting concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Brandon Jenkins, Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer at SCC, who emphasized the collective role of education and industry partnerships in driving the county’s economy. 

“When you look around this room, I think it’s really important that you realize that what is sitting in this room is truly the economic engine for Columbus County,” Jenkins said. “We are the thing that makes this county move.” 

Industry partners interested in joining SCC’s workforce development efforts are encouraged to participate in upcoming student engagement events on campus. 

On Monday, March 23, 2026, Southeastern Community College will host Careers on Wheels, welcoming students in kindergarten through eighth grade to campus at scheduled times between 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Students will explore the vehicles, equipment, and careers that keep the community moving while connecting directly with local employers. Questions can be directed to Chalisse Neely at [email protected] or (910) 788-6433. Reserve your spot by clicking here! 

Employers are also invited to take part in SCC’s Career Expo and Apprenticeship Day on Wednesday, April 29, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Held in partnership with Columbus County Schools and Whiteville City Schools, the event will connect businesses with high school students, college students, and community members while highlighting career and apprenticeship opportunities. For more information, contact Ken Buck at [email protected] or (910) 788-6239. Reserve your spot by clicking here!