Warren Rickard, a 12th grader at Central Cabarrus High School, is participating in the Pre-Apprentice Program at Wayne Brothers, a construction services firm headquartered in Davidson, N.C.
Rickard is a drafting and carpentry double CTE Concentrator student. Through his participation in the program, he works side-by-side with seasoned professionals, shadowing them to learn firsthand what the profession entails.
Amanda Roberts, program coordinator and craft training instructor at Wayne Brothers, said, “Many of the jobs we have require a certain expertise. The Pre-Apprenticeship Program enables the students to gain necessary skills needed to become a craft worker.”
Students in the Pre-Apprentice Program spend a semester working 12 hours each week. During their time in the program, they are field workers-in-training and learn skills such as:
· Industry standards and hazard awareness for the construction industry
· Proper use of hand and power tools
· Rigging and carpentry
· Welding
· Placing concrete
· Soft skills
Roberts added, “The Pre-Apprenticeship Program gives youth a good understanding of what the job is really like. It’s hard work. You’re often outside all day, and you get your hands dirty. But the program also builds the students’ confidence and helps them understand this career is attainable. Critical knowledge is passed down to the next generation, while working side-by-side with journeyman in various trades.”
Wayne Brothers has regional offices in South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee. The firm services the Southeast with specialties that include Design-Build/Design-Assist, Civil and Infrastructure, Geotechnical Solutions, Turnkey Concrete, Placing & Finishing, Equipment Rigging & Setting and Process & Utility Piping Systems.
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