LILLINGTON -- Seven Harnett County students are the inaugural inductees of the new Central Carolina Apprenticeship Works in Computer-Integrated Machining Technology program.

The inductees are Dalton C. Branson (Western Harnett High School), Jessee L. Hall (Western Harnett High School), John H. Holly III (Western Harnett High School), Jacob P. Mouton (Harnett Central High School), Marshall U. Norris (Western Harnett High School), Billy Gray Sullivan III (Triton High School), and Tyler A. Walters (Western Harnett High School).

Angie Stewart, CCCC's Business Services Coordinator, recognized the companies participating in the program - Boon Edam, Champion Hoist, DBI Automation, Magneti Marelli, and Ruhl Tech Engineering.

Pat Godwin Jr., President of The Godwin Group, told the inductees that they have a jumpstart of what it is to be out in the real world. "This is a good opportunity for you to learn that. Sometimes it's not fun. Sometimes it's not easy," he said.

Godwin, who noted that he was a product of a similar program when he was in high school, told the inductees that they are an elite group. "You are a chosen few," he said at the June 4 induction ceremony held at Central Carolina Community College's Harnett County Campus in Lillington.

Jim Burgin, Chairman of the Harnett County Board of Commissioners and a member of the CCCC Board of Trustees, talked about the excitement of the program.

"You guys are going to do great," he said. "I congratulate you and I'm proud of you."

Burgin offered this challenge to the inductees. "I'm going to challenge you to do everything that you're supposed to do that the employer tells you plus one more thing - always do one more thing for them. Give them just a little bit more than they've asked."

The Central Carolina Apprenticeship Works program in Computer-Integrated Machining - a partnership between Central Carolina Community College, Harnett County Schools, and the North Carolina Department of Commerce - is a three-year apprenticeship program that prepares students for employment in the metalworking and manufacturing industries. Apprentices, in their high school senior year, begin taking machining-related classes at Central Carolina Community College, and working part-time five days per week. Following their senior year of high school, successful apprentices will have earned a 17-hour college Certificate in Machining Technology.

Apprentices continue their education at the college and continue working with industry following high school graduation. At the completion of year two of the program, successful apprentices will have earned a 40-hour college Diploma in Machining Technology. At the end of year three, successful apprentices will have earned a 76-hour Associate in Applied Science Degree in Computer-Integrated Machining Technology with an emphasis in Tool, Die, and Mold Making. Hours accrued while in the program will be credited toward their apprenticeship.

The program - a registered apprenticeship with the N.C. Department of Commerce - allows students to have a paid work experience while they are enrolled in college courses and provides valuable "hands-on" industry experience, which enriches their learning.

William Collins, Special Assistant for Workforce Development, N.C. Department of Commerce, said apprenticeships are extremely valuable. "You guys are going to benefit, but not only will you benefit but people coming behind you are going to benefit," he told the inductees. "You're earning a reputation at a very young age that you're going to be a decision maker. ... You're going to be the business leaders of the future."

Collins offered special thanks to the business partners. "You're making the commitment. You're taking a little bit of a chance, but you're also making a smart business move. It's the best thing for you to do to help build your workforce."

CCCC President Dr. T.E. Marchant told the inductees that they're going to make the program great. "We can't wait to see what you folks accomplish and the jobs that you have, the careers that you establish, and what you do with the rest of your life," he said.

Lynn Hartley, Director - Career and Technical Education with Harnett County Schools, called the program an awesome opportunity. "Congratulations to each of you on being selected to be a part of this program," she said. "The industry partners are putting a lot of dependence and a lot of faith into each and every one of you. The opportunity is truly going to be life changing."

Bill Tyson, CCCC Provost of CCCC's Harnett Campus in Lillington, offered welcoming remarks.

For more information on the Central Carolina Apprenticeship Works program, Harnett County students can contact the Central Carolina Works advisor or the Career Development Coordinator at their respective high schools.

For more information on Central Carolina Community College, visit www.cccc.edu.