News

Surry-Yadkin Works is expanding career-connected learning opportunities this summer through its Construction Academy, providing students and recent graduates with hands-on experience, college coursework, and direct exposure to careers in the construction industry.

The academy was made possible through Governor Josh Stein's investment in apprenticeship and workforce development programs across North Carolina. Funding supports youth pre-apprenticeship opportunities for high school students and allows Surry-Yadkin Works to expand access to career training experiences that meet the workforce needs of local employers. Additional participants are being served through the Jobs for the Future Project ACCESS grant, which supports workforce training and apprenticeship opportunities for recent graduates and adult learners.

This summer, ten high school students are participating through the state's apprenticeship investment initiative, while two recent graduates and adult learners are participating through the Project ACCESS grant.

Over the course of the 10-week program, students attend classes at Surry Community College two days each week and spend three days each week learning on the job with local construction employers. Participants gain exposure to industry standards, workplace expectations, safety practices, and technical skills while exploring a variety of career opportunities within the construction field.

Students complete construction-related coursework through Surry Community College, earn industry-recognized credentials, and participate in registered pre-apprenticeships with local employers. The experience provides a direct pathway into registered apprenticeships, employment opportunities, or continued education in construction and related skilled trades programs.

The expansion of summer academies was made possible through recent grant funding, which enabled Surry-Yadkin Works to hire John Darcey, Workforce Development Coordinator. Working closely with faculty and staff at Surry Community College, Darcey has helped develop industry-focused coursework, coordinate employer partnerships, and establish meaningful pre-apprenticeship opportunities that connect classroom learning to real-world work experiences.

In addition to tuition-free instruction, participants receive all required instructional materials, career coaching, employability skills training, and financial literacy education. Students also receive a new pair of work boots valued at approximately $150 to support their participation in the construction industry and earn a program stipend of $1,250 upon successful completion of the academy.

This summer's participants include: Diego Alexander Barron-Lopez of North Surry High School, working with Coram Construction; Kaiden Cave of Forbush High School, working with DNR Construction Services; Luis Cruz of Surry Online Magnet School, working with Johnson Granite Inc.; Jericho Jace Euart of North Surry High School, working with Coram Construction; Blaklynn Garcia of Elkin High School, working with Surry County Parks & Recreation; Matthew Lawson of North Surry High School, working with Shenandoah Furniture; Hunter Robert-James Penley of Elkin High School, working with Mount Airy Housing Authority; Angel Rojas of North Surry High School, working with Coram Construction; and Carson Shaffner of Elkin High School, working with DNR Construction Services.

"Expanding summer career opportunities is an important step in meeting the workforce needs of our local businesses while preparing students for high-demand career fields. These programs allow students to gain valuable experience, earn industry credentials, and explore careers that are critical to the future of our region. Through strong partnerships with employers and Surry Community College, we are creating opportunities that benefit students today while helping build tomorrow's workforce," said Crystal Folger-Hawks, executive director of Surry-Yadkin Works.

"Construction employers throughout the region continue to report a need for skilled workers as experienced professionals retire and demand for residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects grows," said Ray Hoots, Director of Engineering Technologies at Surry Community College. "Programs like the Construction Academy help introduce students to rewarding careers while strengthening the local talent pipeline."

"The academy reflects Surry-Yadkin Works' ongoing commitment to expanding work-based learning opportunities that connect education and industry while helping employers develop their future workforce," Folger-Hawks added.

Surry-Yadkin Works is a regional workforce development initiative connecting education and industry to prepare students and job seekers for successful careers through work-based learning experiences, including pre-apprenticeships, registered apprenticeships, internships, job shadowing, and career exploration opportunities.