News

The first youth apprentice program for registered nurses in North Carolina continues to thrive, culminating in another successful year. Twenty local students were recognized at this year’s Apprenticeship and Career Signing Event on Monday, May 18, at the Shelton-Badgett NC Viticulture & Enology Center – Grand Hall at Surry Community College.

Fourteen students committed to apprenticeships at Northern Regional Hospital (NRH) in Mount Airy (four students committed to part-time work over the summer, while ten committed to full apprenticeships), and six students graduated from the program, earning their journey worker certificates.

 

 

Dr. David Shockley, President of Surry Community College, member of the Surry-Yadkin Works Executive Board, and Chairman of the Northern Regional Hospital Board, opened the event by praising the Nursing Program at Surry Community College and the successful partnership with Surry Yadkin-Works and Northern Regional Hospital.  

Our partnership with Surry Community College and Surry-Yadkin Works continues to create meaningful opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in a real-world healthcare setting while building the future healthcare workforce for our region,” said Robin Hodgin, Interim President & CEO at Northern Regional Hospital. “We are proud to support students as they learn, grow, and become an important part of caring for our community.”

 

 

“We know this program will continue to thrive because of the strong collaboration between our hospital, Surry-Yadkin Works, Surry Community College, and the many mentors, educators, and families supporting these students,” said Allison Bedsaul, Senior Director of Acute Care and Director of Nursing Education at Northern Regional Hospital. “Learning isn’t just a destination, it’s a journey. These students are beginning a path that leads to college, careers, and a future of service. Let their perseverance and motivation inspire us all. Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world.”

This unique opportunity is a part of the U.S. Department of Labor's Apprenticeship program and the state's ApprenticeshipNC program through the N.C. The Community College System Office combines a paid work-based learning experience with classroom academics, leading to a national certification. 

 

 

“It is so exciting to celebrate that this many youth and adults in our community are committing to work, learn, and grow through this program at Northern Regional Hospital and Surry Community College,” said Crystal Folger-Hawks, Executive Director of Surry-Yadkin Works. “We are very thankful that Surry-Yadkin Works is the avenue that allows local talent to find a good fit at a great company and serve our community. It is a win-win for the business and students, and I am proud to be a part of this endeavor.”

For those interested in the Apprenticeships at Northern Regional Hospital, we invite you to visit choosenorthern.org/careers or email hrhelp@wearenorthern.org for more information.

Students recognized in 2026 include:

Northern Regional Hospital PRN Employees:

• Erika Foster

• Kendall Golding

• Kyndal Quesinberry

• Amber Sisk

Northern Regional Hospital Apprentices:

• Storm Ainslie

• Brycen Banks

• Jordin Beasley

• Cameron Bowman

• Hannah Burney

• Jaxie Draughn

• Taegan Easter

• Adrianna Hornaday

• Mia Reynolds

• Gracie Tilley

Northern Regional Hospital Graduating Apprentices (Journey Worker Certificate Recipients):

• Ellisa Dickson
• Kaylee Edwards
• Skylar Mosley
• Haylee Orellana
• Cheyenne Rogers
• Autumn Willey