Events
Summit Connects Veterans to Jobs, Resources
RALEIGH, N.C. (June 12, 2025) – Nearly 100 veterans and active-duty military personnel attended a special event at Wake Tech Thursday to help them with a new mission: transitioning their military experience to the civilian workforce.
The college partnered with North Carolina State University on an Employment and Resource Summit on the Southern Wake Campus to connect veterans with career opportunities, vital resources and support services.
More than a dozen employers were on hand, including Gregory Poole Equipment Company, Capital Automotive Group and the North Carolina Department of Revenue. Numerous organizations offering a variety of support services specifically designed for veterans and military members, including health care and housing, also participated. Wake Tech's Career Services team offered employment tips and career guidance. Military & Veteran Services staff from both Wake Tech and N.C. State answered questions and provided information about educational opportunities.
Wake Tech student Garren Powers, who served more than nine years in Army, was excited to meet with potential employers.
"I wanted to explore opportunities and see what's out there," said Powers. "I've already met with several people, and I think I made some really good connections!"
Powers, who is 41, enrolled at Wake Tech last year after he moved to Cary from Ohio. He is pursuing an Associate in Applied Science degree in Automotive Systems Technology.
"I love working on cars, and after years as a plumber, I decided to change my career," he said. "I want to do something I enjoy, and when I saw Wake Tech offered an automotive program, I knew the college was the right fit for me."
Powers says Wake Tech's Military & Veterans Services team has been instrumental in helping him on his new educational journey.
"I have received help with a variety of steps along the way, including registering for classes," he said. "The support has been amazing."
Michael McLamb, dean of Wake Tech's Military & Veteran Services, says aiding veterans like Powers is a commitment his staff is passionate about.
"We want to ensure that those who have served our country have every opportunity to succeed in their civilian careers," said McLamb. "By bringing together military-friendly employers and comprehensive support services, we're creating a one-stop resource that honors veterans' service while helping them build strong futures in our community."
Wake Tech is a Military Friendly® Gold Award institution, a designation earned for services and programs the college offers veterans and their family members pursuing education, training and professional development. More than 1,100 student veterans have attended Wake Tech so far this academic year.
