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Beaufort County’s future workforce is getting a strong head start thanks to BeauPros, a new youth apprenticeship program designed to connect talented high school students with area businesses looking to develop their next generation of skilled professionals.

BeauPros is a 501c3 organization that brings together Beaufort County Schools, Beaufort County Community College (Beaufort CCC), and local business partners, including MJM Yachts, Oak Ridge Industries, Carver Machine Works, Inc. and Modlin Electric, Inc. The program begins in students’ junior year of high school, combining classroom instruction and on-the-job training, continuing through postsecondary education and into career placement.

Students can select welding, CNC machinist, boat building and electrical pre-apprenticeships. Students can start taking free classes at Beaufort CCC while earning a wage at one of the partnering companies and getting hands-on experience. After graduating high school and finishing the BeauPros program, the partnering companies can choose to keep the students on in a registered apprenticeship, with students earning higher wages while continuing to work toward a two-year degree or certificate for free at the community college.

Together, educational institutions and business leaders are creating customized certification pathways, ensuring students are prepared to meet local workforce needs while also gaining industry-recognized credentials.

“This partnership gives students the opportunity to earn while they learn,” said Sara Watson, director of customized training and apprenticeships at Beaufort CCC. “By engaging with real employers early on, these students can launch meaningful careers and fill essential roles right here in Beaufort County.”

While not an apprenticeship partner, Elite Truck is supporting the program through Elite Truck Fest, a truck meet with food, prizes, raffles and music on May 10 at 305 N. Market St. Entry fees are $25, with all proceeds benefiting BeauPros.

Beaufort County Community College has 11 apprentices at five different employers, including Diamond-N-D-Rough, City of Washington, PAS, Carver Machine Works, Inc. and Beaufort County Schools. Since the start of the first apprenticeship at PAS, former apprentice Steven Silverthorne has become a mentor for the next cohort of five apprentices at the company.

For information about apprenticeships, go to beaufortccc.edu/apprenticeships.

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