Annual Tradesformers "Signing Day" Nets Twenty-Two Commitments
Tradesformers, a youth apprenticeship program designed to connect talented students with growing industry trades in our area, conducted its annual "Signing Day" event Monday night at Pitt Community College.
Twenty-two 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.
The Tradesformers partnership network has experienced steady growth over the past few years, thanks to the continued support of industry leaders committed to workforce development. Valued partners include Advance Mechanical, C.L. Warters, Curtis Construction, Greenville Utilities Commission, Jack A. Farrior, Manning Masonry, North State Steel, Piedmont Service Group, Pitt County Schools Facilities, Pitt Electric, Revitalife and Winterville Machine Works.
Four new companies joined the program this year as Custom Building Company, ECU Health Plant Operations, Precision Walls and Thomas Electrical Solutions will strengthen our mission and expand the opportunities available to students pursuing careers in the skilled trades.
Dr. Steve M. Lassiter Jr., Superintendent of Pitt County Schools, opened the evening with a welcome and introductory remarks before Advance Mechanical Co-Owner and General Manager Rachel Davis followed with an overview of the Tradesformers program’s history and evolution. H.B Moore, Vice President of Piedmont Service Group, then offered comments about the program’s mission and its vital role in supporting the growth of careers in the skilled trades.
PCS Work-Based Learning Coordinator Tonya Miles, who leads and oversees the Tradesformers program, closed the speaking portion of the event with program updates and student achievement celebration.
The following individuals, all projected as 2026 graduates of PCS high schools, signed commitments during the event:
Jonah Stallings (DHC) - Advance Mechanical
Eason Fuller (DHC) - Advance Mechanical
Demetrius Green (SC) - C.L. Warters
Douglas Monroe (SC) - C.L. Warters
Benjamin Bailey (DHC) - Curtis Construction
Emmanuel Dorcent (SC) - Custom Building Company
Ari Mazow Saidel (JHR) - ECU Health-Electrical
Clifton Holton (DHC) - ECU Health-Plumbing
Lucas Warren (AG) - GUC-Lineworker
Benjamin Gardner (FC) - GUC-Lineworker
Blake Monette (DHC) - GUC-Waste Water
Jayden Robinson (SC) - GUC-Waste Water
Anthony Diaz-Sanchez (DHC) - Jack A. Farrior
Brandon Smith (DHC) - Manning Masonry
Elijah Morris (DHC) - Manning Masonry
Cameron LaFleur (JHR) - Piedmont Service Group
Phillip Latham (NP) - Piedmont Service Group
Wyatt Davenport (JHR) - Pitt Electric
Noah Hargett (JHR) - Pitt Electric
Favian Morales Barrios (DHC) - Precision Walls
Joshua Steelman (AG) - Thomas Electrical Solutions
Carter Hobbs (SC) - Thomas Electrical Solutions
The following students successfully completed the pre-apprenticeship program. Nearly 81% (17 of 21) have secured employment with their partner companies and will transition into full apprenticeship roles following graduation in June. More impressively, 100% of the graduating students have expressed plans to pursue careers in the skilled trades.
Nick Fuqua (JHR) - Advance Mechanical
Ethan Manning (SC) - Advance Mechanical
Luke Corbett (FC) - C.L. Warters
Montrell Outlaw (AG) - Curtis Construction
Bryce Henderson (NP) - GUC
Victor Teel (NP) - GUC
Carter Allen (DHC) - Jack A. Farrior
Daniel Garcia (DHC) - Manning Masonry
DeMarcus McCray (JHR) - Manning Masonry
Trevian Whichard (SC) - Manning Masonry
Halee Moore (DHC) - North State Steel
Kieffer Phillips (DHC) - North State Steel
Owen Fisher (SC) - PCS Electrical
Cornelius Coleman (SC) - PCS Plumbing
Tyler Tripp (DHC) - Piedmont Service Group
Hudson Truell (DHC) - Pitt Electric
Owen Hardee (JHR) - Pitt Electric
Hunter Salter (SC) - Pitt Electric
Bree Songy (JHR) - Revitalife
Chris Ocampo-Velis (JHR) - Revitalife
Robert Tyson (FC) - Winterville Machine Works
