Caterpillar and CCCC earn Pinnacle Award for apprenticeship program
SANFORD, N.C. — Since 2012, the Caterpillar Youth Apprenticeship program has served as a model for the state and gained national recognition by training skilled welders and helping secure the future for advanced manufacturing in the region.
Now, Caterpillar Inc. and Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) are being honored for the program by the North Carolina Community College System, State Board, and Foundation. The manufacturer and the college were jointly awarded the 2026 Apprenticeship Champion recognition as part of the Workforce Development Pinnacle Awards on April 15.
The awards, presented by Duke Energy at a ceremony in Raleigh, recognize exemplary employers and education partners that demonstrate outstanding commitment to workforce development across North Carolina’s 58 community colleges.
“The Caterpillar Youth Apprenticeship is an example of how Lee County partners (Caterpillar, CCCC, and Lee County Schools) work together to ‘Grow our own talent.’” said CCCC President Dr. Lisa M. Chapman. “Lee County is a wonderful place to live and we have amazing young people. Working with Caterpillar to support the right skill development ensures they have the talent pipeline they need and ensures our young people have the right education and training they need for a great career with a great company — right here in Lee County.”
The two-year program for high school juniors and seniors combines classes at CCCC with paid, hands-on industry experience. By the program’s ten year mark, more than 30% of Caterpillar’s workforce had roots in the program.
Since its inception, the program has inducted 224 apprentices and produced 136 program graduates.
Participants graduate with a CCCC welding certificate, a North Carolina Department of Labor High School Apprenticeship certificate, a Career Readiness certificate, and proprietary Caterpillar training. Graduates are offered preferred employment at Caterpillar, with clear pathways for advancement.
Lee County high school students and families who are interested in participation in Caterpillar Youth Apprenticeship Program should contact their school’s Career Development Coordinator by calling (919) 718-2400 ext. 2163 for Southern Lee High School or (919) 776-7541 ext. 2207. To learn more visit CCCC’s Welding Technology program.