HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN DUPLIN COUNTY VISIT JSCC’S WESTPARK CAMPUS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TRADES
James Sprunt Community College has many trade-oriented programs between its two campuses. For JSCC’s recent “Trade Up” event, WestPark Campus, located in Warsaw, NC, was the star of the show.
Students interested in pursuing a career in the trade industry attended “Trade Up” as they sought to learn more about specific trades and make connections with instructors representing the programs. Students from Duplin County Early College, East Duplin, James Kenan, Wallace-Rose Hill, and North Duplin High Schools participated in demonstrations from various trade-oriented instructors. Programs such as Electrical, Welding, Machining, Diesel Technology, CDL, and Agriculture/Hydroponics were all represented.
This special event was coordinated by JSCC’s Career and College Promise (CCP) Liaison, Morgan Smith. “When planning for an event, it is important first to have a goal in mind and then work towards achieving that goal. Ultimately, I wanted students to be physically immersed in our trade programs. I wanted them to DO something. Students who are interested in trades want to work with their hands. So, it was essential for them to “get their hands dirty” to see where their interests lie.”
James Kenan High School’s Guidance Counselor, Rebekah Ivey, said,
“Trade Up at JSCC’s Westpark Campus was a great event. Our students could participate in hands-on demonstrations and observe the ins and outs of the many outstanding trade programs James Sprunt offers. We want to do our best to prepare our high school students to be career and/or college-ready as well as ready for overall life success. Providing exposure to available options right here in our backyard is priceless. We appreciate our partnership with James Sprunt and enjoy working together to produce hard-working and productive citizens for Duplin County and beyond.”
Through JSCC’s CCP program, students can learn about trades and accumulate certificates, diplomas, and degrees while finishing high school. Not only does this allow students to jump-start their college education or career ambition, but CCP is available for high school students in Duplin County with little to no cost.
Diesel Instructor Stanley Skidmore said, “I feel exposing high school students to trades and hands-on careers opens their eyes to real-world opportunities, allowing them to discover their strengths and passions outside of traditional academic paths. These experiences build practical skills and inspire confidence, purpose, and a clearer direction for their future.”
And who wouldn’t be confident leaving high school ready for the workforce? Duplin County has a gem of a resource in JSCC and the CCP program.
Smart Farm Manager and Agriculture Instructor Katlyn Foy said,
“When thinking about steps after high school, many students do not consider trades an option. Students are often encouraged to attend college right out of high school. However, this path is not for everyone, and that is okay. Contrary to what many students are taught, trades are a competitive, rewarding, and high-paying career path. Exposing students early with tours, workshops, information sessions, etc., can help them understand what interests them. From there, they can make informed decisions about their future educational or career endeavors.”
Morgan Smith described the event as an overall success.
“From the looks of the students’ faces as they were leaving campus, I feel the event was a success! Many students left smiling because they found reassurance in their career path or found their career path entirely! My favorite part of the event was seeing the excitement on their faces, knowing that they had found their calling. Several students decided to get a jump start on their college journey by enrolling in trades through our CCP program. I began receiving enrollments the very next day!”
JSCC hosts events such as Trade Up throughout the school year for high school students and provides tours for the public upon request. For more information on the CCP program, Trade Up, or any recruitment-related activity, please contact Emily Smith at ebsmith@jamessprunt.edu.
