Lenoir County Students Launch Early Careers Through Innovative Workforce Ignite Program

Lenoir County Students Launch Early Careers Through Innovative Workforce Ignite Program

Lenoir County Public Schools celebrated two milestone events that recognized students stepping into paid roles with local business partners while still enrolled in high school, per a release.

The Workforce Ignite Lenoir signing day event recognized students who secured internships and other paid work opportunities with employers like:

  • Kinston Public Services
  • Down East Bird Dawgs
  • Other vital regional partners.

We are very excited to host our very first CTE work-based learning signing day for our students who are entering internships and apprenticeship programs,” said Dr. Amy Jones, LCPS Director of Career and Technical Education and High School Education. “Our Career Development Coordinators have been involved in every step of the process, supporting students with resume assistance, practicing interview skills, and strengthening student employability skills.

According to Dr. Jones, participation tripled, according to a release.

Crown Equipment Corporation hosted the second signing day, and celebrated five students who have completed the district’s youth apprenticeship program in collaboration with Crown and Lenoir Community College. Two were December graduates already been working full-time, but for the Class of 2025 apprentices, the event served as an official turning point.

These students have demonstrated exemplary employability skills, gained work-embedded training, earned college and high school credit, and earned a wage for their work,” Dr. Jones said. “Crown has been a strong partner of ours for several years, and the growth of this program has been incredible.