Building Careers Through Partnerships
Connecting education, workforce, and community to strengthen care
What started as a response to a workforce need has grown into a transformative partnership that is changing lives, building careers, and redefining how students step into the future of healthcare.
In Carteret County, something powerful is happening.
Students are stepping into hospital hallways not just as learners, but as future professionals. Classrooms are extending beyond campus walls. And three local partners are working together to create something bigger than any one organization could accomplish alone.
Through a growing partnership between Carteret Community College, Carteret County Public Schools, and Carteret Health Care, a new model for workforce development is taking shape. One that starts in high school, continues through college, and leads directly into meaningful careers in healthcare.
During National Apprenticeship Week, that partnership is being celebrated not just for what it is today, but for what it is building for the future of Carteret County.
Where It All Began
The CNA apprenticeship program officially began in Spring 2024, created in response to a clear and urgent need for more skilled healthcare workers in the region.
What started as a small pilot with just two students has quickly grown into a thriving program. Today, enrollment has increased by approximately 80 percent, with new cohorts continuing to grow each semester.
At its core, the program was designed to do more than fill positions. It was built to create a pathway.
A pathway where students can begin exploring healthcare careers early, gain real world experience while in school, and transition seamlessly into the workforce.
Dr. Tracy Mancini, President of Carteret Community College, emphasized the early success and impact of the program.
“The apprentices helped fill a need at Carteret Health Care while giving students an opportunity to explore the CNA field and make sure it was something they want to pursue,” she said. “The willingness of the hospital to continue expanding the program speaks to the quality of our students and the value of this shared effort.”
That vision has now expanded beyond the college and hospital to include Carteret County Public Schools, helping create a full pipeline that begins even earlier.
The People Behind the Partnership
While the program itself is impressive, it would not exist without the people who believed in it, built it, and continue to guide it forward every day.
Across Carteret Community College, Carteret County Public Schools, and Carteret Health Care, a dedicated group of leaders and educators have worked behind the scenes to turn an idea into a life changing opportunity for students.
At Carteret Community College, this work is guided by leaders like Perry Harker, Vice President of Workforce Continuing Education, whose vision has helped align education with real workforce needs and long term regional goals.
“Our partnership with Carteret Health Care creates more than a training opportunity; it creates a direct pathway for students to step into meaningful careers while meeting the real needs of our community,” Harker shared.
He is supported by Laurie Freshwater, Dean of Health Sciences; Rhonda Piner, Certified Nursing Assistant Program Chair; and Kristina Stewart Horton, Surgical Technology Program Chair, all of whom play critical roles in program development, instruction, and expansion.
From Carteret County Public Schools, Allison Dees, Director of Career and Technical Education, has been instrumental in helping extend this pathway into the high school level, ensuring students are introduced to healthcare careers earlier and are better prepared to transition into college and beyond.
Supporting that connection between education and workforce is Sharon King, Director of Carteret Works, whose role helps bridge opportunity with real career pathways for students across the county.
“I’m excited to help grow this program and expand meaningful opportunities for students across Carteret County,” King said. “This partnership represents what’s possible when education and industry work together, creating clear, hands on pathways that prepare students for real careers while strengthening our local workforce.”
At Carteret Health Care, a strong team continues to support students as they move from education into the workforce. Sarah Hardesty, Student Programs Coordinator, works closely with students throughout their experience, while Casey Sadler, Director of Nursing Practice Excellence, ensures high quality clinical training and mentorship. Kristie Richardson, Senior Director of Workforce Development, and Charlie Hoggard, Director of Human Resources, have both played vital roles in developing the program, strengthening workforce pipelines, and supporting apprentices as they transition into professional roles.
Together, these individuals represent the heart of the partnership. Their collaboration, leadership, and commitment to student success have made this program what it is today.
Learning in Real Time
What makes this program truly unique is the way students learn.
Instead of waiting until graduation to step into their field, apprentices begin their journey while they are still in school. They are hired by Carteret Health Care, working in non clinical roles while completing their coursework and transitioning into clinical training as they progress.
This model allows them to experience healthcare firsthand, building confidence, professionalism, and technical skills in real time.
Students are supported every step of the way. Faculty monitor progress closely and step in early when challenges arise, ensuring students have the resources they need to succeed.
As Rhonda Piner, Certified Nursing Assistant Program Chair, shared, the impact on students goes far beyond the classroom.
“Students get exposure to the trade they are pursuing while they are gaining their education,” she said. “They are able to work, learn, and explore different areas of the hospital, which helps them determine an informed pathway for their future. They also gain a level of confidence and professionalism that you do not always see in a traditional classroom setting.”
“They are supported not just by the college, but by their coworkers and mentors at the hospital,” Piner added. “They see what is possible for their future, and that is incredibly powerful.”
That growth is something Carteret Health Care sees firsthand as well.
Compared to traditional new hires, apprentices are more confident, better prepared, and more comfortable in the clinical setting from day one,” said Casey Sadler – Director of Nursing Practice Excellence at Carteret Health Care. “They have already built relationships with staff, understand unit routines, and are familiar with our standards of care.”
Students at the Center
At the center of it all are the students who are taking this opportunity and turning it into something meaningful.
Currently, six students are participating in the CNA I and CNA II apprenticeship program: David Gets, Miranda Goodwin, Saylor Gray, Callie Hartley, Tony Patton, and Theresa Washburn.
In the Surgical Technology apprenticeship program, Elkanah Marion represents the continued growth of this partnership into new areas of healthcare.
Each of these students is gaining hands on experience, building confidence, and taking meaningful steps toward a future in healthcare.
Throughout the rest of Apprenticeship Week, Carteret Community College will feature individual spotlight articles highlighting each student’s journey, their experiences in the program, and their goals for the future.
A Lasting Impact
The impact of this partnership extends far beyond the students themselves.
By building a strong local workforce pipeline, the program helps Carteret Health Care reduce staffing gaps, strengthen retention, and improve patient care. At the same time, it allows students to stay in Carteret County, build careers, and remain connected to their community.
Dr. Mancini emphasized the broader impact of this collaboration.
“Carteret County thrives when its people, programs, and agencies work together to serve and solve needs,” she said. “Apprenticeships embody that type of collaboration, bringing education and healthcare together to support student success and strengthen our workforce.”
Looking Ahead
The future of this partnership is just as exciting as its beginning.
Over the next several years, the program is expected to grow into a fully integrated workforce pipeline that begins in high school and continues through advanced healthcare careers.
A new CAPE to CNA Pre Apprenticeship to RN Apprenticeship pathway is set to launch in Fall 2026, creating a seamless transition from Carteret County Public Schools into Carteret Community College and ultimately into the healthcare workforce.
This expansion is being driven in part by Carteret County Public Schools’ commitment to early workforce development.
“In recognition of National Apprenticeship Week, Carteret County Public Schools Career and Technical Education is proud to highlight an exciting expansion of opportunities for our students,” said Allison Dees. “In partnership with Carteret Community College, we are working to integrate pre apprenticeship pathways into both existing and newly developed apprenticeship programs.
These opportunities give students a valuable head start, allowing them to gain real world, hands on experience while still in high school. At the same time, our local employers and community partners benefit from a strong pipeline of skilled, workforce ready graduates prepared to step directly into high demand careers.
In many cases, students can continue their education tuition free at Carteret Community College, making these pathways not only practical, but also highly accessible. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to building a stronger workforce and creating meaningful opportunities for students right here in Carteret County.”
Additional programs in Respiratory Therapy, Medical Assisting, and other allied health fields are also being developed, allowing even more students to find their place in healthcare.
Investing in What Matters Most
For Carteret Health Care President and CEO Kyle Marek, the impact of this partnership is clear:
We believe that the best way to serve Carteret County is to invest directly in the people who live here. Our partnership with Carteret Community College isn’t just about filling a schedule; it’s about providing a clear, supported roadmap for students to transition from the classroom into high impact, professional roles. By the time these apprentices graduate, they aren’t just starting a job they are already proven, confident colleagues who have mastered the technical skills and the critical thinking required to provide the high quality care our patients deserve.
That belief is shared across all three partners.
Because in Carteret County, this is more than a program.
It is a commitment to students.
It is an investment in the future.
And it is a powerful example of what can happen when education, healthcare, and public schools come together to build something that truly matters.
For more information about our Apprenticeship programs visit our website at carteret.edu or contact Sharon King at 252.222.7971 | [email protected]
