LILLINGTON - Central Carolina Community College student Chris Baggett, of Lillington, learned a lot about Cree, Inc., when company recruiters visited the college's Harnett County Campus. Baggett liked what he saw and heard.

"The Cree presentation was very informative," the second-year Laser and Photonics student said. "I was intrigued with what I heard, and I am very interested in pursuing a job there." Following the recruiters' presentation, Baggett gave them his resume.

Cree, headquartered in Durham, was started in 1987 by five researchers from N.C. State University. It has grown into an international leader in research, innovation, and production in light-emitting diode (LED) and radio frequency (RF) technologies.

Cree human resources personnel Chadwick O'Connell and Nancy Boyce, as well as Winston Parker, a laser fabrication manager, visited the college Nov. 20th to talk about the company with 15 students in the Laser and Photonics program.

"We're reaching out to fill technician positions," Chadwick said. "We've had success with the CCCC students we have hired in the past. The students coming out of the program are very flexible and have knowledge of the technical aspects we need."

The Cree representatives spoke about the company, its growth, and some of the lighting projects it has done around the world, including the Water Cube and Bird's Nest at the 2008 Olympics in China. They then answered questions from the students. Students were invited to give their resumes to the Cree presenters, who spent time talking with them one-on-one.

"Cree is a great place to work - I have several students working there already," said Gary Beasley, lead instructor for the college's Laser and Photonics Technology program. "The students have worked hard, and for a big employer like Cree to come and talk to them, it's a special moment for them."

Beasley said he keeps the students' training up-to-date through feedback from Cree and other companies. The engineering programs also have an advisory committee of industry members who know the latest happenings in industry and the skills employers are looking for when they hire.

Second-year Laser and Photonics student Andreina McIver, of Bunnlevel, submitted her resume after hearing the Cree presentation.

"Cree is such an industry leader and it's innovative," she said. "What they do is very interesting. It would be something to be able to work for the company and say I helped bring something to market."

For more information about engineering technologies programs offered at CCCC, visit www.cccc.edu. For more information on the Laser and Photonics program, contact Lead Instructor Gary Beasley at gbeasley@cccc.edu or call 910-814-8828.