DARLINGTON, S.C. – The Darlington County Institute of Technology (DCIT) has been working with the South Carolina Youth Apprenticeship Program to find area businesses willing to hire students as youth apprentices.
The first companies to begin working on this initiative were North Industrial Machines in Hartsville and Gregory Electric in Florence.
Representatives from these companies spoke to students in the engineering, machine tool, welding and electricity classes. Carmen Roberts, the work-based learning coordinator, served as a liaison between the businesses and the students. She guided students through the application and interview process. Students completed an application, prepared a résumé and cover letter, provided two letters of recommendation and interviewed with the companies.
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At the conclusion of the selection process, five students were extended an opportunity to work as an apprentice at North Industrial Machine: Josh Armstrong, William Tyler Byrd, Demetrius Gilbert, Owen Reed and Preston Wilks. Isaac Rowe and Dakotah Riley were selected as alternates. These students began work on April 3.
Gregory Electric selected Austin Huggins and Matthew Privette. They started work in mid-March.
Armstrong is a senior at Hartsville High School. He is currently a dual credit welding student at DCIT. His instructor is Jesse Flowers. Armstrong plans to continue his education at Florence-Darlington Technical College in the fall to pursue credentials in Pipe Fitting Fabrication and Auto Tech.
Byrd is a senior at Hartsville High School. He is enrolled in a dual credit machine tool class at DCIT. He is grateful to his instructor, James Griggs, who shared with the class about this apprenticeship opportunity. “I went through the informational sessions and decided to take my chances,” said Byrd, who plans to pursue a career as a machinist after graduation.
Gilbert is a junior at Darlington High School and is enrolled in Engineering Design II at DCIT. Gilbert said his teacher, Dan Woods, has been informative and encouraging “When I was told about the Youth Apprenticeship, I was encouraged to apply, and I could imagine working in the career field I have chosen for myself. I was proud that I was given the opportunity to not only learn engineering but get the hands on experience to perfect my dream.” Gilbert was offered a position at North Industrial Machine in the engineering department.
Reed is a junior at Hartsville High School and also attends DCIT, where he is enrolled in dual credit Machine Tool Technology. “I was told about the S.C. Youth Apprenticeship several months ago and heard presentations from prospective employees,” he said. “I decided that I would love to make money while I learn.” Reed also has received an opportunity to work with North Industrial Machine.
Wilks is a senior at Hartsville High School who is enrolled in Machine Tool Technology III and Electricity I at DCIT. He credits his hard work and dedication for his craft for being offered a position at North Industrial Machines. He plans to continue his studies at Florence-Darlington Technical College, where he will study Machine Tool Technology and Electricity.
Rowe is a senior at Mayo High School who is enrolled in Engineering at DCIT. He was selected as an alternate for one of the apprenticeship positions at North Industrial Machines.
Riley is a senior at Hartsville High School who is enrolled in dual credit Machine Tool at DCIT. He was selected as an alternate for one of the apprenticeship positions at North Industrial Machines.
Huggins is a senior at Darlington High School. He is enrolled in Electricity II at DCIT. The electricity teacher is Daren McKenzie. Huggins is an active member of the Robotics team and a computer intern for Darlington High School. He is excited about being offered a position at Gregory Electric, where he feels he will be able to learn additional skills necessary to pursue a career as an electrical engineer.
Privette is a junior at Hartsville High School and is enrolled in Electricity II at DCIT. He credits McKenzie, his electricity teacher, with teaching him the electrical skills that prepared him for the opportunity to be offered a position with Gregory Electric.
Students in the South Carolina Youth Apprenticeship program must complete a total of 450 hours. These hours can be completed during spring, winter and summer break, after school and during their career and technology instructional hours. Students do not have to complete the hours before high school graduation. Many students continue to work as an apprentice while attending college.
Completion of the apprenticeship program will provide the students with a nationally recognized apprenticeship credential. The Darlington County Institute of Technology is working with Mike Reichenbach, StingRay Boats, the Darlington County School District and other local businesses in an effort to place additional apprentices in the upcoming months.
