Wayne Community College student Alan Rangel Vargas is the recipient of the 2025 ApprenticeshipNC Outstanding Registered Pre-Apprentice Award.
Vargas earned the award based on his pre-apprenticeship experience in WCC’s first SEED (Southeastern Education and Economic Development) advanced manufacturing academy in the summer of 2024. He was recognized for his commitment and willingness to learn his trade, leadership qualities, dependability, and special accomplishments.
SEED was created by the North Carolina Business Committee for Education and sponsored by Smithfield Foods. The seven-week program offers participants a paid education, hands-on learning experience, weekly field trips to local businesses, and college credit through classroom instruction.
Through SEED, Vargas learned new skills in engineering, maintenance, machining, industrial systems, and mechatronics. He was also able to meet Roy Cooper, former NC governor, and was invited to the governor’s mansion to represent SEED in a panel discussion.
“SEED was designed to give students the opportunity to explore and learn more about rewarding careers right here at home. Alan is an exceptional student who worked hard to make the most of everything SEED had to offer,” said WCC Executive Director of Apprenticeships and Career Development Kristie Sauls.
The pre-apprenticeship led Vargas to his current registered apprenticeship with Mt. Olive Pickle Company. Through the apprenticeship, Vargas is enrolled in WCC’s Mechanical Engineering Technology program, supplementing his on-the-job training as an engineering apprentice.
Sauls said she is “incredibly proud” of Vargas for being recognized as an outstanding pre-apprentice.
“He is a fantastic example for high school students, showing how programs like SEED can help them gain valuable education and career experience in Eastern NC—an opportunity that can truly be life-changing,” Sauls said.
