Beaufort CCC Hosts Career Exploration Events During STEM East’s Industry in Schools Week
As part of STEM East’s Industry in Schools Week, Beaufort County Community College (Beaufort CCC) welcomed high school students from across Eastern North Carolina to two hands-on career exploration events on April 11 and April 16. These events gave students the opportunity to experience real-world career training in aviation and skilled trades while interacting directly with industry professionals and college instructors.
What Is Industry in Schools Week?
Industry in Schools Week is a regional initiative organized by STEM East, designed to bridge the gap between education and workforce development. The program connects students with local career opportunities by inviting them into classrooms, labs, and industry facilities for hands-on experiences and meaningful career exploration.
Beaufort CCC contributed to this effort by hosting a regional welding competition on campus and an aviation career day in partnership with Washington-Warren Airport.
Aviation Career Day at Washington-Warren Airport
High school students from Beaufort, Hyde, and Bertie counties participated in aviation-focused activities at the college’s Aviation Workforce Training Center, where they operated flight simulators and explored aviation career paths. The experience continued at Washington-Warren Airport, where students engaged with representatives from:
- North Carolina Forest Service
- Xelevate (Unmanned aircraft systems)
- Metro Aviation/ECU Health Eastcare (Medical helicopters and emergency response)
- East Coast Aviation (Private aviation and aircraft maintenance)
These professionals shared insights into careers in military aviation, emergency services, flight operations, and the private aviation sector.
Regional Welding Competition Highlights Skilled Trades
On April 11, Beaufort CCC hosted a regional welding competition featuring students from:
- Washington County High School
- Mattamuskeet Early College High School
- Pungo Christian Academy
- Columbia High School
- Southside High School
Additional students currently enrolled in college-level welding courses attended as observers to learn more about advanced training opportunities.
The event showcased career paths in high-demand skilled trades. Participants also toured programs including:
- Agribusiness Technology
- Automotive Systems Technology
- Boat Manufacture & Service
- Electrical Engineering Technology
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
Top competitors earned welding helmets and tool prizes, and all participants enjoyed lunch from the campus grill and received door prizes.
Building Career Pathways in High School
Beaufort CCC’s welding instructors Eric Braddy and Garrett McCoy actively teach in high schools across the region. Through dual-enrollment, students can begin earning college welding certificates while still in high school and continue toward a two-year degree in welding or a related field.
STEM East: Partnering for Workforce Development
Both career events were made possible through support from STEM East, which funded supplies, transportation, meals, and student incentives. STEM East plays a vital role in aligning K-12 education with workforce needs by collaborating with school districts, employers, and local governments throughout Eastern North Carolina.
Beaufort CCC’s Ongoing Commitment to Workforce Training
Serving Beaufort, Hyde, Tyrrell, and Washington counties, Beaufort CCC remains committed to building career pathways through hands-on, industry-aligned training. Events like these strengthen partnerships with schools and employers and help students connect their interests with future opportunities in aviation, skilled trades, and beyond.