Events
Gov. Stein Visit Promotes Technical Education
RALEIGH, N.C. (February 12, 2025) – Career and technical education took center stage Wednesday as North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein visited the Hendrick Center for Automotive Excellence on Scott Northern Wake Campus.
Stein and Lt. Gov. Rachel Hunt toured the state-of-the-art facility and signed a proclamation designating February as Career and Technical Education month.
"We intend to make North Carolina the No. 1 state for apprenticeships in the nation," Stein said. "Investing in career and technical education is key to creating an economy in North Carolina that works for everyone. Alongside our community colleges and corporate partners, we can shape the workforce of the future right here in North Carolina."
The Hendrick Center is home to Wake Tech’s cutting-edge automotive programs, which have more than tripled in enrollment over the last five years. Governor Stein heard directly from students and faculty about how they’re training on the latest technology and benefitting from apprenticeship opportunities that offer a chance to gain skills while earning a salary. He also got a chance to operate a dynamometer, a device used to assess and tune engine performance, and saw a 1958 Chevrolet Delray that’s being converted to an electric vehicle.
Wake Tech automotive students are in high demand, with most securing employment by the time they graduate. Wake Tech also offers electric vehicle training and master technician programs for manufacturers such as Ford, GM, Mercedes Benz and others.
Collegewide, Wake Tech serves nearly 50,000 students in career programs that prepare them for immediate employment in high-demand areas such as advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, health care and transportation. The college also partners with more than 150 local employers to offer apprenticeship opportunities where students gain valuable on-the-job training.
"Wake Tech is home to some of the very best workforce education facilities in the country, and we were honored to welcome Gov. Stein to our campus to see these firsthand," said Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls.
Stein says he is committed to growing North Carolina's economy by investing in workforce development and job training. This includes strengthening apprenticeships and investing in community college career and technical education programs in high-demand industries that give North Carolinians the opportunity to succeed.
"Our community colleges are a wonderful source of opportunity and a great way to train our workforce for the future,” Hunt said. "I'm looking forward to working with Gov. Stein on career and technical education and making sure we invest in training and apprenticeship programs across our state."
Wake Tech is North Carolina's largest community college, serving more than 72,000 adults annually, with seven campuses, two training centers, multiple community sites and a comprehensive array of online learning options.
