The Gregory Poole Construction Equipment Company, the exclusive Caterpillar dealer for eastern North Carolina, is offering apprenticeship opportunities for Wake Tech students who want to work on construction equipment. The apprentices will learn how to troubleshoot and repair diesel engines, power trains, transmissions, braking systems and hydraulics on heavy equipment for construction, forestry, agriculture and other industries.

As students in Wake Tech's one-year Construction Equipment Systems Technology diploma program, the apprentices will attend classes on Mondays and Tuesdays and receive on-site training the remainder of the week at Gregory Poole headquarters in Raleigh. Their tuition, fees and books will be paid through WakeWorks, and they will earn a salary at Gregory Poole.

Once they complete their diplomas, they will stay on as apprentices at Gregory Poole on a graduated pay scale. After completing 2,000 hours of training, they will earn a nationally recognized Journeyworker certificate that indicates mastery of the skills in their field.

After earning a diploma, the technicians can pursue an associate degree in Construction Equipment Systems Technology. That degree can transfer to East Carolina University's Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology program, which is offered on site at Wake Tech.

For more information, email [email protected] or call 919-334-1624.