Manufacturing Day visits inspire local high school students
Randolph Community College (RCC) Industrial Maintenance Technician (IMT) apprentices from Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina (TBMNC) visited Uwharrie Charter Academy (UCA) and Asheboro High School (AHS) on Friday, Oct. 3, to share their experiences and highlight the opportunities available through RCC’s IMT Apprenticeship Program. The visits were part of RCC’s celebration of National Manufacturing Day and aimed to connect with high school students interested in advanced manufacturing careers.
“This is what Access and Success look like in action,” RCC President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan said. “Our apprentices prove that when education, industry, and mentorship align, the results are transformative — for students, for employers, and for our community. Randolph Community College is proud to lead this effort through the IMT Apprenticeship Program, a model we aim to expand by 100 percent as we actively recruit more partners and students.”
The apprentices also visited Uwharrie Charter Academy High School where they spoke with an interested student.
Second-year IMT apprentices Benjamin Hunt, Tyler Malpass, and Logan Kennedy returned to their respective alma maters to speak with multiple classes about their journey into the two-year IMT program, their hands-on training at RCC, and their paid on-the-job experience at Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina (TBMNC). The apprentices shared that they earn a competitive hourly wage rate, with raises every six months, and discussed the soft skills they are developing, including professionalism and public speaking. They emphasized the importance of work ethic, mentoring, and the long-term career pathways available in advanced manufacturing.
Hunt applied for the program his senior year at UCA, which meant he qualified for a state tuition waiver for registered apprentices. He also noted the participation of other partner companies in the IMT program, including Energizer, Timken, Jowat, and Pexco.
“There are so many options that the program has to offer,” he said. “And not only are you paid for your time at work, but you’re also paid for your time at school.”
For Malpass, who first tried the four-year college route at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the program has been life changing.
“I have the opportunity to learn hands-on stuff, get paid really good money, and work on the job,” said Malpass, who graduated from AHS in 2022. “It’s really been a great turnaround in my academics and my career.”
Kennedy attended High Point University for three years and worked in the HVAC industry before joining the program.
“There are so many different kinds of people in this program,” he said, noting one of his classmates is a retired police officer. “There is no right path.”
The visits generated strong interest among students and faculty, reinforcing the connection between RCC’s training programs and local high schools while showcasing the success of graduates now working in the industry.
The IMT Apprenticeship Program, a partnership among RCC, local high schools, and regional manufacturers, offers students an affordable education, paid training, and direct entry into high-demand careers. Seniors with a 2.8 GPA or higher who will be 18 by June 2026 are eligible to apply now at www.RandolphIMT.com/apply. Priority applications close on Nov. 21. For more information about the IMT Apprenticeship Program, visit www.RandolphIMT.com, email apprenticeships@randolph.edu, or contact Stacey Miller, RCC Director of Apprenticeships, at swmiller@randolph.edu.
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About Randolph Community College’s Industrial Maintenance Technician (IMT) Apprenticeship Program: The IMT Apprenticeship Program is a partnership among Randolph Community College, local high schools, and regional manufacturing employers. The two-year program offers students an affordable education, paid on-the-job training, and hands-on experience with industry-leading instructors at RCC. Designed to meet the growing demand for skilled technicians in advanced manufacturing, the IMT Apprenticeship provides students with direct career pathways and employers with a pipeline of highly trained talent. For more information, visit randolphimt.com.
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About Randolph Community College: Randolph Community College (RCC), under the leadership of President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan, is committed to providing relevant career training and educational opportunities. Ranked No. 1 in North Carolina by Niche.com, the College offers affordable degrees and short-term certificate programs that start throughout the year, both in person and online. To register, visit randolph.edu/register or call 336-633-0200 and expect to engage with the most competent and compassionate team of faculty and staff.