The Davidson and Davie Apprenticeship Consortium (DDAC) officially welcomed 11 new apprentices during its annual signing ceremony.
The Davidson and Davie Apprenticeship Consortium (DDAC) officially welcomed 11 new apprentices during its annual signing ceremony, marking the beginning of their multi-year journeys toward high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing and skilled trades.
Held at the Mary E. Rittling Center on the Davidson-Davie Community College campus, the event celebrated the apprentices’ transition from summer pre-apprenticeships to full apprenticeships that combine classroom learning with hands-on, paid experience at DDAC member companies.
“Every one of these apprentices worked hard this summer in their pre-apprentice work and showed they had the ability to advance to an apprenticeship,” said Dylan Wilmoth, head of the DDAC board. “Their hard work and commitment to their futures are a sure sign they will be a huge benefit to their companies and to the community.”
Davie County Students Take the Spotlight
Guest speakers included Jonathan Brown, vice president of Davidson-Davie Community College; Scott Morris, an apprentice graduate; and Chris Harrington, state director of Apprenticeship NC.
Among the 11 new apprentices are two Davie County High School graduates — Joshua Bowman and Logan Walterman — who are already proving the value of combining education and experience through DDAC.
Bowman joined EGGER Wood Products in Lexington, while Walterman began his apprenticeship with SBA Home in Mocksville. Both young men are gaining skills in electrical and mechanical trades while attending Davidson-Davie Community College tuition-free.
“These apprenticeships are a prime example of how collaboration between education and industry can create meaningful opportunities for local students,” said Terry Bralley, president of the Davie County Economic Development Commission. “Programs like DDAC help us build a strong pipeline of skilled workers who can grow their careers without having to leave Davie County.”
Joshua Bowman: Building a Career While Learning on the Job
For Joshua Bowman, the apprenticeship program at EGGER is the ideal opportunity to learn, earn, and grow.
“Instead of paying to go to school, I am getting paid for school and work and learning a lot from both in the process,” said Bowman. “My experience here is very enjoyable for me. There are always ups and downs, but there is always a way to get through something and accomplish whatever you might be stuck on. I would suggest this program for anybody who is close to graduating and wants a full-time job that is very hands-on. You are always learning something new every day, no matter what the situation is.”
Lukas Brandauer, apprentice manager at EGGER, said Bowman stood out immediately.
“Joshua was the first candidate we hired for the class of 2029,” said Brandauer. “He has everything it takes to be a good technician. He is a hard worker and is eager to learn something new every day.”
Logan Walterman: Learning from Experience and Mentorship
Logan Walterman, an electrical apprentice with SBA Home, is equally enthusiastic about his experience and the mentorship he’s received from his supervisors.
“Through the apprenticeship here at SBA, I’ve been able to work with very knowledgeable people who have helped me through showing me what I’d be looking forward to working with and what I should focus on learning,” said Walterman. “They have always been great at stopping to answer any questions I’ve asked, which has definitely helped me directly in the classroom… Overall, my favorite part of the experience has been learning from the great people here.”
Seth Tucker, an electrical automation technician, said he enjoys helping Walterman develop his skills.
“Working with Logan has been a fun experience for me thus far. It reminds me of when I wanted to get into the trade many years ago,” Tucker said. “Passing on troubleshooting knowledge and general understanding of electrical systems will be a valuable asset to his career. I’m glad to share my years of experience to help build the future of electrical workers.”
Vadzim Yatskevich, senior automation technician, added that Walterman has shown strong curiosity and initiative.
“We focus first on teaching Logan how to work safely, since apprentices often encounter real production environments for the first time,” said Yatskevich. “Logan shows genuine curiosity and enthusiasm in tackling different challenges, and I believe he will become an excellent specialist in industrial automation and robotics in the future.”
Apprenticeship Offers Pathways to Prosperity
The DDAC apprenticeship program offers a paid, four-year pathway in mechanical or electrical trades, or a two-year production operator track. Apprentices earn competitive wages, receive full benefits, and attend Davidson-Davie Community College tuition-free. Upon completion, they are eligible for full-time employment with their sponsoring company.
Participating companies include BMK Americas, CPM Wolverine Proctor, EGGER Wood Products, KURZ Transfer Products, Mohawk, Ingersoll Rand, Owens & Minor, Cascade Die Casting Group, SBA Home, and Siemens Mobility.
About the Davidson and Davie Apprenticeship Consortium
Formed in 2019, the Davidson and Davie Apprenticeship Consortium (DDAC) is a collaboration among leading regional manufacturers dedicated to developing the next generation of skilled workers. The program combines classroom learning with on-the-job experience, providing apprentices with the technical expertise and real-world experience needed to build sustainable, rewarding careers.
For more information, visit ddacapprentice.org.
