Partnerships
Wake Tech and Gregory Poole Partner on New Apprenticeships
RALEIGH, N.C. (July 10, 2024) – Wake Technical Community College and Gregory Poole Equipment Co. are teaming up to offer in-demand apprenticeship opportunities for students who want to work on construction equipment. Gregory Poole, Caterpillar dealer for eastern North Carolina, will hire up to 18 apprentices for the Fall semester through the WakeWorks® Apprenticeship program.
Apprentices will attend classes on campus two days a week as students in Wake Tech's Construction Equipment Systems Technology one-year diploma program. The remainder of the week will be spent at one of Gregory Poole's locations for on-site training that covers how to troubleshoot and repair diesel engines, power trains, transmissions, braking systems and hydraulics on heavy equipment.
"The construction, power generation and material handling industries in eastern North Carolina have seen exponential growth, increasing the need for trained technicians," said Greg Poole IV, director of product support at Gregory Poole. "We are building new training opportunities to meet that demand, and this apprenticeship with Wake Tech will help students break into exciting industries with a paid career path. We are thrilled to partner with Wake Tech and develop the next generation of highly skilled technicians."
All tuition, fees and books will be paid for through the WakeWorks Apprenticeship program. Students will earn a salary at Gregory Poole for the duration of the program and will stay on a graduated pay scale as apprentices once they receive their diploma. Completing 2,000 hours of training will earn them a Journeyworker certificate that indicates mastery of the skills in their field.
"Apprenticeships are a huge win-win for students and employers," said Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls, "particularly as exemplified by programs like WakeWorks and employers like Gregory Poole. Employers gain the highly skilled technicians they seek, while students get valuable education and training and earn a diploma and a Journeyworker credential at no cost – and all while earning a salary!"
Gregory Poole apprentice technicians will also have continuing education opportunities. Wake Tech offers an associate degree in Construction Equipment Systems Technology, which can transfer to East Carolina University's Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology program offered onsite at Wake Tech.
Founded in 1951, Gregory Poole Equipment Co. has been a supporter of Wake Tech's heavy equipment program for more than 30 years. Along with contributing tools, vital equipment and scholarship funds, three current WakeWorks apprentices already work for Gregory Poole. This new apprenticeship signals the expansion of a successful partnership with an entire apprentice class that will receive training tailored to the company's needs.
With more than 140 employers across 26 occupations, Wake Tech has developed one of the most robust apprenticeship programs of any college in the nation. WakeWorks Apprenticeship is funded by the Wake County Board of Commissioners. To learn more about the Gregory Poole Apprenticeship program and how to enroll, visit wakeworks.waketech.edu.
