FORSYTH COUNTY, N.C. — Forsyth Technical Community College is succeeding at filling the growing need for manufacturers in the Triad.
Cance Cardwell was exposed to programs at Forsyth Tech as a teen.
He went on to complete their Leap program which allowed him to work in manufacturing and get his education for free.
"I've never seen shame in working with your hands getting down," Cardwell said.
Getting down and dirty could lead to a fulfilling career path for teens like Adrian Miller.
"I definitely like getting the experience of different kinds of trades," Miller said. "I like learning what I can do and what I'd be interested in doing."
Miller is one of five students in Forsyth Tech's new explore post-program.
14 to 20-year-olds are exposed to the skill sets needed to secure jobs in manufacturing.
"welding, machining, mechatronics, some graphics and mechanical engineer technologies," said program coordinator Brooke Nagy. "They also get to go to some of our manufacturing partners and get hands-on experience there."
Some of those partners include John Deere and Progress Rail. Nagy said students will get to experience a real day on the job.
A great way to get a foot in the door is with companies like John Deere, which announced in August it would be opening battery production headquarters in Forsyth County.
It'll create 50 jobs.
"You can make excellent money in a trade. Our trades are hurting for people right now so we want to make sure we have people that can fill the workforce and make sure they're happy with the decision they make," Nagy said.
Cardwell said he's a perfect example of a success story.
"I am a perfect example. Right out of high school going right into the workforce with experience and a degree," Cardwell said. "I own a home at 21 I bought it when I was 19."
Since graduating he's worked his way up the ladder with his current employer Herbalife.
"I started out switching out machines for machines then went into maintenance and now I'm leading a quarter million project for the company," Cardwell said. "I get to do more fulfilling tasks."
He stopped by the explorer post's hands-on welding session to encourage teens to explore their options.
Miller said he's looking forward to seeing what sparks his interest during the year-long program.
"The trades build everything that's around us," Miller said. "All the buildings. All the infrastructure."
The program is still accepting students.
Their next meeting Is on January 9th. To learn more click here.