Twenty-Four Commit During Tradesformers "Signing Day"
Tradesformers, a youth apprenticeship program designed to connect talented students with growing industry trades in our area, conducted its annual "Signing Day" event Tuesday at the Kathy Taft Center for Excellence and Leadership in Education.
Twenty-four (24) new pre-apprentices were welcomed into the program, which provides students an opportunity for fundamental training, skills and expertise that helps the future workforce be well-equipped to grow a successful career.
An industry-led initiative, participants will work closely with the Pitt County Schools and other local partners to address skill needs and gaps. Apprentices gain on-the-job training and related classroom instruction, while earning a base pay rate and learning valuable skills to advance in their field. In addition, they have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials and certifications and/or college degrees.
Along with PCS, other partners include Advance Mechanical, Curtis Construction, Jack A. Farrior, Inc., Greenville Utilities Commission, Manning Masonry, North State Steel, Revitalife, Piedmont Service Group, Pitt Electric and CL Warters Plumbing.
Beth Ann Trueblood, PCS Career & Technical Education Director, offered a welcome and opening comments before Piedmont Service Group Vice President and General Manager H.B. Moore provided attendees with a historical perspective of the Tradesformers program. Moore, who joined Piedmont in 1981 after graduating from Wake Technical College, opened the Greenville operation in 1997. Pitt County Schools Work Based Learning Coordinator Tonya Miles closed the speaking portion of the event with program updates.
The following individuals, all projected as 2024 graduates of PCS high schools, signed commitments during the event:
Ethan Hollowell (DHCHS) - Advance Mechanical
Connor Ward (DHCHS) - Advance Mechanical
Daniel Quiroz-Romero (NPHS) - Jack A. Farrior, Inc.
Alex Allen (AGHS) - Greenville Utilities/Automotive
Jacob Johnson (NPHS) - Greenville Utilities/Lineworker
Braxton White (DHCHS) - Greenville Utilities/Lineworker
Porter Harris (DHCHS) - Greenville Utilities/Wastewater
Phillip Murray (JHRHS) - Manning Masonry
Zach Ferrell (SCHS) - Manning Masonry
Cole Phillips (AGHS) - North State Steel
David Warren (DHCHS) - North State Steel
Levi Camp (DHCHS) - North State Steel
Ben Elbert (SCHS) - Revitalife
Garrett Bailey (NPHS) - Revitalife
Jantzen Hardee (DHCHS) - Piedmont Service Group
David Rosario (SCHS) - Piedmont Service Group
Jordan Best (DHCHS) - Pitt County Schools/HVAC
Francis Kennedy (JHRHS) - Pitt County Schools/Electrical
Noah Gable (JHRHS) - Pitt County Schools/Electrical
Joseph Chambers (DHCHS) - Pitt County Schools/Electrical
Jada Hardee (JHRHS) - Pitt County Schools/Carpentry
Noah Majette (DHCHS) - Pitt Electric
Gunner Basile (DHCHS) - Pitt Electric
Kaleb Carey (DHCHS) - CL Warters Plumbing
Additionally, 80 percent (12 of 15) of last year's signing class retained employment with their respective companies and will move into full apprenticeship roles following graduation commencement exercises on June 9-10.
