SURRY COUNTY, N.C. — Students in the Surry County school system are learning workforce-ready skills and even getting jobs thanks to a program called Next Generation Career Academy.

The program allows students to complete internships or apprenticeships with local businesses, and industry partners that could ultimately lead to employment. Students have the option to try out several internships before finding their perfect fit.

Regan Richardson is an alumni of the program. She landed a welding job at Smith Rowe Construction after graduation. Richardson is one of 88 students to participate in the program, and one of 34 to land a job with their internship after graduation. She says this is an eye opener for students looking for their future careers.

"I was in agro-tourism my first internship and that was enjoyable. I had a lot of fun that was with first graders and second graders and doing field trips. Well, that enlightened me that I do enjoy children, I do not want to be a teacher," Richardson explained.

There are currently 12 students going through the internship program despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Judd Goldbach is also interning at the Smith Rowe Construction site, where he is learning the basics and safety. Goldbach says he isn't really sure what his plans are after high school, but he is looking for options.

“It’s a really good opportunity for me to get some experience in the construction field, and it just lets me know, like, do I want to do this when I graduate or do I want to go to college, and work an office job?” Goldbach says.

By 2030 in North Carolina, a projected 67% of jobs will require a post-secondary degree or credential, and on its current trajectory, post-secondary educational attainment in the state will only reach 54%. This increasing number of qualified people in the workforce is necessary for North Carolina’s economic vitality.

For more  information of the program, click here.