CAMPUS VISIT HIGHLIGHTS SHARED INTEREST IN SUPPORTING STUDENTS THROUGH EDUCATION, INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT, AND CAREER PATHWAYS.
James Sprunt Community College values building relationships with organizations that can help create educational and workforce opportunities for students. Recently, members of the JSCC administration welcomed representatives from T. A. Loving Company (TALCO) to campus to explore areas of mutual interest and discuss potential collaboration opportunities.
The visit was inspired by the growing interest among Career and College Promise students in construction-related careers and internships. Through conversations between college representatives and industry leaders, both organizations shared ideas on workforce development and future possibilities for student engagement.
Melissa Bostic serves as an NC Senior Career Coach for JSCC. She visits county high schools throughout the week, ensuring students receive the support they need to achieve their career and educational goals. Bostic said,
“Working within the high schools, I often hear from students who are interested in pursuing careers in various areas of construction. This interest led me to connect with Frank due to his expertise in the field, which then created the opportunity for TALCO to visit our campus. Providing construction-related opportunities for our high school graduates and residents not only helps keep our learners local but also allows them to pursue the education and career pathways they are seeking.”
Frank Trujillo serves as the Director of Environmental, Health & Safety (EH&S) for TALCO and is also a native of Duplin County. Trujillo said,
“I was truly impressed with James Sprunt’s Main and WestPark campuses. As a student in the Duplin County school system and the father of a son at North Duplin High School, I’m encouraged by the opportunities James Sprunt is creating for our youth. These future leaders are being prepared to contribute to long-standing institutions like T. A. Loving Company and help ensure our communities continue to thrive for generations to come.”
The group began the day by sharing lunch and participating in discussions focused on workforce needs, educational pathways, and opportunities available to students interested in construction and related industries. Representatives toured the Electrical Systems Technology facilities before visiting JSCC’s WestPark campus, home to the Industrial Systems Technology program.
Conversations centered on how educational programs and industry partners can work together to strengthen workforce pipelines and create meaningful experiences for students. Potential areas of collaboration discussed included apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, Career and College Promise programming, and work-based learning opportunities.
Dr. Shannon Hair, President of JSCC, was thrilled at the opportunity to discuss a partnership with this amazing company. Hair said,
“Having representatives from TA Loving on our campus sharing their employment needs is the first step to creating a joint venture that will benefit not only our students at James Sprunt Community College through work-based learning, but will also provide a pipeline of skilled employees for TALCO. It is joint ventures like these that bring increased prosperity to our community and region that, in turn, creates a positive impact on the lives of so many in and around Duplin County.”
Star Jackson serves as the Director of Customized Training and assists with JSCC’s apprenticeship programming. Jackson said,
“Building a program with employer input from the start helps ensure education and workforce needs are aligned. When companies help shape a program’s design, students gain relevant skills, employers gain access to qualified talent, and communities benefit from a stronger workforce prepared to meet current and future industry demand. The meeting between James Sprunt Community College and T. A. Loving demonstrates the value of collaboration in workforce development and highlights opportunities to invest in the future of our region.”
Christa Davenport, Vice President of People & Culture for TALCO, shared her thoughts following the visit:
“Visiting the James Sprunt campus was inspiring, and the energy there is fantastic. It was exciting to learn more about the programs, facilities, and opportunities available to students. We appreciate the opportunity to explore ways industry and education can work together to support workforce development and help prepare students for successful careers.”
While discussions are still in the early stages, the visit provided a valuable opportunity for both organizations to learn from one another and explore how future collaboration could benefit students, employers, and the region. James Sprunt Community College remains committed to building relationships that help students gain the skills, experiences, and connections needed to succeed in today’s workforce.
