Four high school students from Beaufort County officially signed pre-apprenticeship agreements with local employers through BeauPros, a new partnership that connects students with hands-on career training and postsecondary opportunities.
The BeauPros program is a collaboration between Beaufort County Community College (Beaufort CCC), Beaufort County Schools, and leading local industries. It allows students to begin technical training and paid work experience while still in high school, positioning them for full-time employment and continued education after graduation.
The first cohort includes:
- Gram Barnes (Washington Montessori Public Charter High School), signed with CMW Global (Carver Machine Works)
- Preston Broome (Northside High School), signed with Oak Ridge Industries
- Kaden Miller (Southside High School), signed with Modlin Electric
- Shane Zettlemoyer (Southside High School), signed with MJM Yachts
These students were selected through an application and speed-interview process. As part of the program, they will begin coursework at Beaufort CCC and work part-time with their partner companies.
“Even before your senior year, you have an agreement in place with a very good partner,” said Travis Stephenson, founder of BeauPros. “You have a path through your senior year that should lead you straight into a job that is a career opportunity. You are way ahead of the competition at this point.”
“Sometimes you actually have a chance to shape the future, and we have that tonight in this room,” added Dr. Dave Loope, president of Beaufort CCC. “Congratulations, good luck, and thank you all for believing just enough in calculated risks to create this marvelous program.”
BeauPros offers pre-apprenticeships in welding, CNC machining, boat building, and electrical trades. The program is designed to align with Beaufort CCC’s two-year degree and certificate pathways, allowing students to transition seamlessly into full apprenticeships or employment.