Cape Fear Community College graduate shares his success story
NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Cape Fear Community College hosted an event on Wednesday meant to attract the next generation of manufacturers.
“This is truly what community colleges are all about,” CFCC President, Jim Morton, said.
The annual ‘Manufacturing Day Expo’ took place at Cape Fear Community College’s north campus just off of Blue Clay Road in Castle Hayne.
The expo featured dozens of local manufacturers like Corning, Tri-Tech Forensics, and Cardinal Foods—among many others.
Jim Morton, Cape Fear Community College’s President, said this event is one he, students, and staff all look forward to and prepare for months in advance.
“Several of these employees tell me that they hired students from this event last year. I also have heard students have ended up becoming employed with these individuals,” Morton said.
Students like Chris Oliver, he said he found his career through this expo two years ago.
“When you don’t know what’s out there, these are the types of places you need to come to get yourself associated to know that you are going to be valuable,” Oliver said.
Oliver is now a Maintenance Technician with Alcami Corporation.
“I came here in November, by December I graduated, and by January I already had a job,” Oliver said.
A full circle moment, Oliver said Wednesday was a chance for him to look back on how far he’s come since completing the program.
“It was definitely a fluster of emotions when I came here. It brought back a lot of good memories. To be honest with you, it gets me to where I want to keep on learning,” Oliver said. “I’m gonna be looking to do some additional night classes and continue my education. I’ve never been at a point in my life where I enjoy education as much as I enjoy it now.”
While Oliver shared his success story, he said he hopes he can inspire others to take control of their education.
“If I was able to work a full-time job as well as have a child and come to school—anyone else can do it as well,” Oliver said.
President Morton added that CFCC will continue to host events like these, continuing to aim to strengthen the local manufacturing workforce in the Cape Fear.
