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Davie County Schools highlights first pre-apprenticeship completer as district expands career pathways
Summary
District and apprenticeship partners celebrated Caleb Thomas as the district’s first pre-apprenticeship completer in a diesel mechanic pathway; staff described on-the-job training at the bus garage, a state tuition-waiver benefit for apprentices, and plans to expand pre-apprenticeships to firefighter, CNA, K-12 teacher and CNC machinist tracks.
Davie County Schools and apprenticeship partners recognized Caleb Thomas as the district’s first completer of a district-run pre-apprenticeship with the bus garage, officials said.
Jeremy Miller, transportation director, described interviewing Caleb and hiring him for a paid summer internship when the department was short on mechanics; Caleb continued work and training and completed the pre-apprenticeship in January. Linda Robinson of Apprenticeship NC explained that when a student near graduation completes a pre-apprenticeship and transitions into a registered apprenticeship they qualify for a state tuition waiver that covers community college tuition (fees and books remain the student's responsibility). That benefit allows districts to reuse local ‘Ignite Davie’ or similar funds to support future students' related instruction while the state covers tuition.
District staff said the program is producing local talent for priority occupations. Apprenticeship tracks already in place or being developed include diesel mechanic, early childhood educator pre-apprenticeship, firefighter (with town employer partners), CNA at partner facilities, a K–12 teacher apprenticeship (currently 11 students), and discussions with local employers (Rice Barrel Company, Johnson Insurance) for CNC machinist and other roles. Staff reported the governor will recognize the district’s apprenticeship partnerships at an event on April 29 at Davidson Community College.
Jeremy Miller and Linda Robinson credited school–employer partnerships and quick paperwork turnaround for creating opportunities when a student expresses interest. Miller said Caleb’s on-the-job training is ongoing; the bus garage provides practical experience while the student takes related instruction at the community college. Staff emphasized the district’s emphasis on career and technical education (CTE) and work-based learning as a strategy to grow local workforce talent.
District officials said they hope apprentices will remain with local employers but noted journey-worker credentials are nationally recognized and allow graduates flexibility in the labor market.
