Apprenticeship Randolph celebrates 10 years of building Randolph County’s skilled workforce

Apprenticeship Randolph (AR) celebrated a decade of preparing the region’s skilled workforce Tuesday evening, recognizing 14 graduates and welcoming 12 new apprentices during the program’s 10th Annual Signing Ceremony and 2026 Graduation at Randolph Community College (RCC)’s R. Alton Cox Learning Resources Center Auditorium.

The ceremony marked a significant point in the program’s evolution. The Class of 2026 included the final graduates of Apprenticeship Randolph’s original four-year model and the first graduates of its accelerated three-year program, which allows students to complete the same college coursework and apprenticeship requirements more quickly.

Apprenticeship Randolph began in 2017 with 12 participating manufacturing companies and has grown to include 18 employer partners. The Class of 2026 is the program’s sixth graduating class.

“Apprenticeship is exactly what ‘earning through learning’ is all about,” RCC President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan said. “Students are earning and learning at the same time. The success of this program comes from the caliber of our students, the quality of their education and training and, most importantly, the partnerships we have with our employers, schools and community.”

Ardalan noted that the phrase “Earning Through Learning” appeared on the College’s first recruitment brochure more than 60 years ago, demonstrating that preparing students for meaningful careers has long been central to RCC’s mission.

The evening’s keynote speaker was Alvin Battle, an RCC Board of Trustees member and IT Disaster Recovery Manager for Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health. Battle encouraged graduates and incoming apprentices to continue their education, master their crafts, value teamwork, serve others, and remain grounded as their careers develop.

“Continue to master your craft,” he said. “Regardless of what you do, you have to change with the times. Stay humble. It’s not an entitlement; it’s an opportunity. Allow people to help you and help people at the same time.”

Battle also encouraged the graduates to remain connected to RCC and eventually serve as mentors for others.

“Come back and be a part of the alumni at RCC,” he said. “As you grow older, you’ll look back and realize that it was a foundation for you to start your career.”

Javier Romero Aguirre, an IT apprentice with Oliver Rubber-Michelin, spoke on behalf of the incoming class. He said he pursued an apprenticeship because he wanted more than a traditional job after high school.

“I wanted the opportunity to learn a skilled trade, gain real-world experience and build a career that I could be proud of,” Aguirre said. “Every skill we learn today is another step toward the careers we’re building for tomorrow.”

Members of the graduating class completed registered apprenticeships in Computer Integrated Machining, Industrial Systems Technology-Mechatronics and Manufacturing Technology. They earned Associate of Applied Science degrees, ApprenticeshipNC certificates, and Journeyworker credentials while gaining three or four years of paid industry experience.

The graduates represented Accuchrome, CCI Machine & Fabrication, Darran Furniture, Dart Container, Energizer Holdings, Hubbell Industrial Controls, Mohawk Flooring, PEMMCO Manufacturing, Post Consumer Brands, Technimark LLC, and United Brass Works.

Avery Marley, a Test Technician with Hubbell Industrial Controls, spoke on behalf of the graduating class. Marley will transition into an Engineering Technician position and plans to begin pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering in Spring 2027.

“Apprenticeship has given me more than confidence in what I can do today; it has given me confidence in what I can become tomorrow,” he said. “Growth doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when someone invests their time, skill and experience in you.”

Marley encouraged incoming apprentices to ask questions, learn from their mistakes and remain committed to continued growth.

“What we have accomplished is more than an internship or exposure,” he said. “It is the mastery of a skill earned through real work, real challenges and real growth.”

During the ceremony, Randolph Early College High School Counselor Breanne Blackmon and Career Development Coordinator Sarah Fuller received the 2026 Apprenticeship Randolph Ambassador Award. The award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond in promoting the program and helping students discover apprenticeship opportunities.

Director of Apprenticeships Stacey Miller encouraged the graduates to remember those who helped them succeed and to become mentors for future apprentices.

“Apprenticeship Randolph gives students an associate degree and a Journeyworker credential, but it also gives them a solid life that they can live, build, and dream,” Miller said. “With 45 apprentices right behind this graduating class, we are truly filling a need in our workforce.”

With the Class of 2026, Apprenticeship Randolph has graduated 63 apprentices into full-time careers. Some program alumni who graduated five years ago are now earning close to six figures while continuing to build their careers in Randolph County.

Apprenticeship Randolph is a partnership among RCC, local employers, Asheboro City Schools, Randolph County School System, Uwharrie Charter Academy, ApprenticeshipNC and the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation. The program allows students to earn a paycheck, complete a college education without tuition debt and begin building retirement and paid-leave benefits before graduation.

Students interested in apprenticeship opportunities can contact their high school career development coordinator or an RCC Career Coach. Employers interested in partnering with Apprenticeship Randolph can learn more by contacting Miller at 336-318-4958 or swmiller@randolph.edu or by visiting ApprenticeshipRandolph.com.

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About Apprenticeship Randolph: Apprenticeship Randolph is an award-winning partnership among Randolph Community College, local industry, Asheboro City Schools, Uwharrie Charter Academy, and Randolph County Schools, providing high school juniors and seniors with hands-on, paid training in high-demand fields like advanced manufacturing and IT. Students earn college credit, industry credentials, and an Associate of Applied Science degree — tuition-free — while gaining real-world experience. Recognized as the 2025 Outstanding Apprenticeship Partner by ApprenticeshipNC and named a U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Ambassador, the program is a national model for workforce development. Learn more at www.apprenticeshiprandolph.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.