Caterpillar and 黑暗爆料网 earn Pinnacle Award for apprenticeship program
SANFORD, N.C. 鈥 Since 2012, the Caterpillar Youth Apprenticeship program has served as a model for the state and gained national recognition by training skilled welders and helping secure the future for advanced manufacturing in the region.
Now, Caterpillar Inc. and 黑暗爆料网 (黑暗爆料网) are being honored for the program by the North Carolina Community College System, State Board, and Foundation. The manufacturer and the college were jointly awarded the 2026 Apprenticeship Champion recognition as part of the Workforce Development Pinnacle Awards on April 15.
The awards, presented by Duke Energy at a ceremony in Raleigh, recognize exemplary employers and education partners that demonstrate outstanding commitment to workforce development across North Carolina鈥檚 58 community colleges.
鈥淭he Caterpillar Youth Apprenticeship is an example of how Lee County partners (Caterpillar, 黑暗爆料网, and Lee County Schools) work together to 鈥楪row our own talent.鈥欌 said 黑暗爆料网 President Dr. Lisa M. Chapman. 鈥淟ee County is a wonderful place to live and we have amazing young people. Working with Caterpillar to support the right skill development ensures they have the talent pipeline they need and ensures our young people have the right education and training they need for a great career with a great company 鈥 right here in Lee County.鈥
The two-year program for high school juniors and seniors combines classes at 黑暗爆料网 with paid, hands-on industry experience. By the , more than 30% of Caterpillar鈥檚 workforce had roots in the program.
Since its inception, the program has inducted 224 apprentices and produced 136 program graduates.
Participants graduate with a 黑暗爆料网 welding certificate, a North Carolina Department of Labor High School Apprenticeship certificate, a Career Readiness certificate, and proprietary Caterpillar training. Graduates are offered preferred employment at Caterpillar, with clear pathways for advancement.
Lee County high school students and families who are interested in participation in Caterpillar Youth Apprenticeship Program should contact their school鈥檚 Career Development Coordinator by calling (919) 718-2400 ext. 2163 for Southern Lee High School or (919) 776-7541 ext. 2207. To learn more visit 黑暗爆料网鈥檚 Welding Technology program.