Student Case Studies

Case Studies

Jordan Pounds Blum news 12-20.pdf

Jordan sees the benefit of staying with Blum and says "Loyalty is the reason they treat you good"!

Jordan in 10th grade visiting Chiron America. She went to several other companies, such as Siemens Energy, Pfaff Mold, Schaeffler, and Bosch Rexroth, over the two years before starting her apprenticeship with Blum.

She said there were no surprises with the apprenticeship program as they were upfront with her and other candidates so she knew what to expect. Applying what you learn at school makes things easier.  

It's fun to stay in touch and hear about Jordan's success!

In February 2024, Jordan Pounds (Nation Ford '20 Grad) shared that she has completed her Associate's Degree in Applied Science from Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC). She is taking a few more CPCC classes before starting a Mechanical Engineering Degree at University of NC in Charlotte. All of her educational expenses are paid for by Blum, where she still enjoys working. In fact, she said "I love what I do." She added that she is now used to the machines and can work at her own pace. She has learned to watch and ask questions after thinking through different possible solutions. She says professionals teaching her and others appreciate that extra effort. 

When she reflects on the choice she made between going directly to a four-year university and the apprenticeship program, she sometimes thinks she missed seeing friends but feels it might have been the same at any university she may have chosen. Now, she has four years of work experience and is making connections with professionals to propel her career. 

Photo: William Jaeger (far left) with two coworkers in Germany at the headquarters of Groninger.


We first heard about the apprenticeship program during William's Junior year at Nation Ford High School.  As parents we listened but quickly discouraged him as we felt his best path was a 4 year college with an engineering program. We couldn't have been more wrong.  

 

William was a good student and tested in the top 5% of standardized aptitude tests for abilities in Math and Science.  He did well on his SAT scores but not nearly as well as his aptitude tests would have predicted.  Overall we were very proud of what he was doing, but a part of us felt he could do better.  The things he loved, he blew out of the water, robotics, building the school electric car, engineering classes, JROTC, and rifle team.  He was always thinking, designing things, diving deep trying to completely understand how things worked.  Always trying to take what he was learning and apply it somewhere.

 

We spent days doing college visits that offered engineering programs, trying to find the "right" place for him.  During his senior year he brought up the apprenticeship program again.  Begrudgingly we agreed to attend a one day parent/student overview at local companies such as Siemens, Bosch, Groninger, Chiron and others. All German companies with needs for technology, manufacturing and engineering employee's that were going unfulfilled in the market.  These companies banded together and worked with the state of North Carolina to create a program where they could build the talent they needed to compete in the global environment and thrive.  As the day went on and we moved from company to company I could see the value in what they were offering in the apprenticeship program. This program was more than learning a trade (which you certainly could do and was offered) it was about creating a win for the company and the person.  The company gets a highly trained, educated, thinking employee and the employee gets an education and experience at the same time.  Its a different path and could take longer to earn a 4 year degree, and maybe not for everyone, but if you're smart and learn best by learning in class and then applying what you learned on the floor this is a fantastic program.  At the end of the day we were blown away and had completely changed our mind on the apprenticeship program.  We let William decide on his path, college or apprenticeship and he decided on apprenticeship.  Unknowingly to all of us this would become a game changer for William and us.

 

Sometimes it's hard to see the destination (your goals) when driving down the road, yet it's there and needs to be there.  Everyone needs goals and focus.  There were bumps in the road and times when it seemed that Wiliam would do something else, but he persevered.  When other kids were off to college, partying, meeting roommates, going to football games and hanging out, apprentices were working in a more structured environment.  They have to get up and go to work every day, (on time), go to class at the community college and are expected to excel at both.  He wondered if he made the right decision and thought about all the things he was missing(honestly, not much).  It took about 2 years and numerous conversations/soul searching for William to truly realize the gift he had been given. Today I don't think he or us would trade his decision for anything.  The large obvious benefit is a free two year college education and a Journeyman's certificate.  No college debt.  This is part of what they sell and it's real, no gimmicks.  More importantly here's all the other benefits that he's realized over the last 5 years.  He's learned discipline and organization, my son who couldn't clean his room, has an immaculate work space, gets himself up, gets to work on time and completes all his tasks on time.  All critical life skills.  The company paid him to sit in the classroom and gave him time at work to study.  If apprentices need help with college work, they find tutors.  William graduated with Honors with an Associate’s Degree in Mechatronics - Electrical engineering, programming and robotics all mixed together.  He was selected to go to the German Language Institute in Schwabisch Hall Germany for 6 weeks where he was immersed in German language (he took a semester of German prior to leaving) and culture.  Here he met students from all over the world and learned about their cultures.  He continues to maintain those friendships with people from Italy, Brazil, Spain and elsewhere.  Then he spent 6 weeks working for his company at two manufacturing sites in Germany.  All at no cost to him.  He is becoming very fluent in conversational German.  He now has five years of tangible work experience in manufacturing, engineering and project management.  He spent one year living in an apartment, but with international travel has since moved home.  He has accumulated significant savings, which he can use for a down payment on a home or whatever else he choose's.  He has lived and worked in Germany for over 6 months on his own and made lasting friendships with local people.  Traveled to several nearby countries and learned about their geography, culture and history.  Now he is working on machines to bring back to the US to support the COVID vaccination process which just started here.  At 23 his educational, world and business experiences have far surpassed any of his 4 year college friends, even the ones that studied abroad for a semester.  He has a more global perspective on life and a meaningful job.  Almost all his college bound friends have graduated college, have little or no experience, no jobs (mostly due to COVID) and student loans to repay.  William is financially secure, educated and has recruiters calling him, even in the current COVID environment he is employable for a very good wage!

 

In summary, the Apprenticeship program has exceeded our expectations in every regard!  It was the perfect decision for William!  We couldn't be prouder of him and what he has accomplished!  We are also very grateful to his company Gronginger, Nation Ford High School and especially Susan Brackett who coordinates all these programs and helped guide William and us on this journey.  Her commitment to the students, her continuing communication, coaching and mentoring is just amazing, and shouldn't go unnoticed in the Fort Mill school system!  Along the way, she has become a trusted friend!  Young people need more Susan Bracketts in their lives!  Thank you all! 

 

Jeff and Susie Jaeger

Blake Arrington (FMHS '15 Grad) didn't get the mechatronics apprenticeship his junior year, but he did when he tried again his senior year. 

He has done really well over the past eight years with Groninger as a field service engineer. He bought and sold his first home in uptown Charlotte and moved to Atlanta. He travels quite a bit servicing the sophisticated filling machines. He often works in clean rooms. 

2017 NFHS Grad, Jeremy Kishbaugh, went through the apprenticeship and is still doing great with Schaeffler. Here is what he and his mother had to say about the experience. 

Jeremy’s time at Schaeffler has been a game changer for him. As you know he struggled finding his way at the end of high school. He wasn’t sure which way to go. The apprenticeship has paid For Jeremy to earn 2 AA degrees, a journeyman’s certificate and he got a third AA and going for a BS in mechanical engineering.  It has been hard work but rewarding financial as well as getting an education. He will stay on and hopes to travel with the company after Covid. This job has given him purpose, he never misses work or is late. Jeremy is driven. He has found something he’s very good at and likes. It is not easy work and one has to apply themselves.  The company works with you and offers guidance along the way and does expect one to do the job tasked to them. It’s a real job with benefits a retirement plan and paid holidays  Not bad right out of high school!

 Through this apprenticeship program Jeremy was offered a career and an education while earning a good wage. A job that he can excel in and that he likes. It may not be for everyone, but for those who are willing to work and take it seriously, this is an amazing opportunity. 

Ali Kishbaugh, Jeremy's mom

Johonez Flowers (FMHS Sophomore) wants to be a family physician so he asked his own doctor and one he didn't know if they would talk with him about what it takes to succeed, what the day-to-day work is like (challenges and benefits). He said "They provided a wealth of excellent and valuable knowledge that will help me in the future." His own doctor offered to give him a letter of recommendation, and the other doctor said to stay in touch. You are not too young to appeal to a professional to help you. It starts with a "passion statement" as to why you want to meet and a brief recommendation from a teacher whose subject matter is relevant to the work you want to do someday. 

Jamieson Tallent was sure of what he wanted to do with his career. He just didn't know how to get there. He wanted to be "a photo journalist, travel the world and share environmental problems." He also knew he didn't want to pay for an education. 

During the summer after his junior year at Fort Mill High School, he started interviewing local professionals, who could inform him about how they got their training and experience. These people included:

Army 25V job description

Duties for MOS 25V: Operates and performs unit level maintenance on motion, still and studio television cameras; electronic and film-based processing, editing, audio and printing darkroom equipment; prepares captions for documentation images; operates and performs Preventative Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS) on assigned vehicles and power generators.


Here's what Jamieson had to say in December 2023 and photos he shared: 

I had an idea of what I wanted to do but not how to execute it. Susan Brackett helped schedule multiple interviews with professionals to get some insider knowledge on how the world of photojournalism worked. 

A family friend mentioned that the military probably had photography options. I knew I didn't want to come out of college in debt or really take that path for a career in the arts. So, the Army was the perfect opportunity to get field experience, travel, and have the opportunity for free college if I decide to go. 

I think the best part of my military path has been the travel. Following my 9 months of job training at DINFOS (Defense Information School), Fort Meade Maryland, I went to South Korea for a year as my first duty station, where I ran a photo/print shop and worked with the base Public Affairs at Camp Casey. After my time there, I moved to Fort Liberty, NC, and started working with Psychological Operations. I had about a year of training to learn how to work with special forces and what the mission was before I went on rotation out to Europe for 6 months. During that time, I worked with foreign allied special forces service members in Germany, and traveled all over Europe teaching photography and multimedia to locals and other military members. I never would have thought, within 3 years of serving, I would have worked in and visited over 10 countries and had the opportunity to meet so many people in different ways of life. 

After I get out of the military, I plan to go into government work on the civilian side. The Washington D.C. area is a hub for our job and there are so many opportunities for prior military photographers, but my main interests currently are either going to teach my field at the schoolhouse for incoming service members or to work at an embassy somewhere in the world for the public affairs department. 

Electrical Intern 

Daniel Fiordalisi graduated from Nation Ford HS in 2019. In the 10th grade, he expressed an interest in becoming an electrician. He started his career exploration by spending a day with an electrician at Carowinds Amusement Park. He also talked with an electrician at the City of Rock Hill and investigated the Watson Electrical Apprenticeship Program. After his junior year, he did a summer internship with Simpson Electric through the Builders Bridge program that pairs students with the residential construction trade of their choice. Simpson Electric offered him an opportunity to learn more on the job and continue working with them. After high school, Daniel decided to enroll in the Carolinas Electrical Training Institute's Charlotte Electrical Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee (JATC) four-year apprenticeship program at his dad's suggestion. He is earning a journeyman's card, learning about the commercial electrical business and competing with electricians from around the country in events where apprentices compete. Daniel even made it to the national competition in Tampa in 2023.  

See other apprentices' testimonials.

Victoria Cortes-Barrera was a junior at Nation Ford HS in an Auto Technology class when she shared that she might like to work in safety in the construction industry. She was interviewed by company managers and received invitations from two amazing companies to do summer internships with Haskell and Holder Construction. She went with Holder and learned a lot at the Charlotte Airport expansion project. She said, "I'm learning so much about everything and it makes me want to explore so much more. Thankfully, everyone is very friendly and patient with me."

On 11/29/23 she reported that the final punch list is being tackled by Holder and all the subcontractors with whom they work. After nearly a year of full-time (45-55 hours per week) work and a short time in quality and safety, Victoria has moved into operations. She says the best part is building relationships with more than 20 subcontractors and always being with people. Victoria especially enjoys working with Field Coordinator, Dominque, since it's rare to have a woman working in this field. 

Being bilingual is a great asset, which she says helps her to connect with people and keep others safe since she can catch things others may not. Every other Tuesday, Victoria translates in operations meetings. The other weeks it's the General Contractor translating. He trusts her with this important duty not just because of her language skills. She is also listens really well and handles situations in a very mature manner. That is a lot of responsibility for someone 19 years old. 

Victoria's advice to students is to "take a leap of faith," meet lots of people, and see/understand your career options. 

Nation Ford HS Junior Karthik Karamched shadowed at Nation Ford Chemical both in May and July 2022. He learned a great deal both days. Karthik said "I feel like now I have a better grasp about what engineering is all about, and I am confident that I can do well as an engineer." Here is a brief video of some of what he learned. 

Ayden Burkett did a work-based learning course in the Automotive Technology course of study before graduating from Nation Ford HS in May 2022. The learning and work he did at SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service helped him obtain a $4,000 scholarship from the SC Automobile & Dealers Assoc. to use at Greenville Technical College. 

Evan Mason graduated from Nation Ford HS in May 2022. He did a summer internship with Siemens Energy and earned a welding apprenticeship with the company.  Photographed at the apprenticeship ceremony at Siemens with his family on August 9, 2022. The work he did over the past two years with EZ Electric helped him obtain this opportunity. 

Dorothy Augenbraun (Fort Mill HS '22 graduate) & Kevin Norman (Nation Ford HS rising senior) did a summer internship with Ferrara-Buist Contractors. On August 9, 2022 they did a joint presentation about their experience and future goals. Six of their mentors attended and offered input, advice and praise. They both interviewed for the opportunity, but Dorothy was already familiar with David Buist since she had done an informational interview with him when she was a freshman. 

Five mentors from the City of Rock Hill's Geographic Information Systems or GIS Department mentored three FMSD students over the 2022 summer: Rising Catawba Ridge HS senior Ben Schwartz, rising junior at Nation Ford HS Alex Irhin and rising sophomore at Fort Mill HS Garett Stein. Ben described his work: "I went through the entirety of Rock Hill and determined if and where the houses' sewer flowed to figure out the estimated capacity." GIS Dept Manager Shawn Carson had Alex do a presentation that summarized his work "He corrected meter service lines in GIS, determined locations needing field checks for mistakes in GIS system, investigate meters in field to verify accurate data."  

When I was at Fort Mill High School, I took biomedical science with a capstone project that involved reaching out to a professional for input and, ultimately, I gained a mentor. Biomedical science made me fall in love with the thrill of an ever-changing field, but the mentorship made me realize to be a successful medical professional requires a grit and emotional intelligence that cannot be taught and, thankfully, I realized I possess. For that reason, I decided to go to Clemson and major in Microbiology, which I thought would lead to medical school and becoming a P.A.  

 

However, after graduating I went to work for my mentor, Dr. Rosenzweig, as a medical assistant for 1.5 years. I learned so much about myself from that experience. I learned that I loved working with patients, but that I wanted to enter a field that was more challenging. I wanted something that allowed me to problem solve and wasn’t stagnant in terms of career growth. This led me to Arrhythmia Technologies Institute (ATI) where I’m learning about cardiac rhythm management and electrophysiology, which are relatively new and growing fields that utilize cardiac device technology. The Field Clinical Specialist role I will enter allows me to combine the love of medicine I found so early on in Biomedical Science and challenge me in terms of the sales aspect of a constantly evolving technology. I truly feel as if I have found my calling.

Abby Wissinger in high school and in her profession

Trey Bowe graduated from Nation Ford HS in 2018 and is currently at Clemson University pursing a BS in Graphic Communications (GS). ​He was a completer in the Digital Art & Design program in high school and had an opportunity to work with the Children’s Attention Home where he was a graphic design intern from March 2018 to October 2019. He conceptualized and branded the Home’s Crossroads Program and also developed collateral for their biggest fund-raising event called Deep in the Heart Celebration.

Clemson GC students complete two full-time internships. Trey’s first internship was during the summer of his freshman year with Southern Graphic Systems in Marietta, GA, where he worked as the on-site contact for the off-site project managers. It involved getting their orders printed and serve as their connection to everyone in the facility, so he worked closely with the human resources department from May 2019 to January 2020 and continued for some time as a part-time employee. He made $16/hour and earned 1.5 pay if he worked more than 40 hours a week. He lived in an Airbnb during those months.

His second internship during his junior year is with Packaging Corporation of America in Mooresville, NC. He started in January 2021 and expects to finish in July 2021. He works with the design team and project managers to assist clients with artwork, mostly Stanley Black & Decker, for their product displays in stores. He currently makes $18/hour with the same overtime rate but has a 45-minute commute to and from home. 

The curriculum at Clemson is largely focused on the printing aspect of the industry so the majority of classes emphasize the output of graphic design rather than the input. In other words, they often get an assignment that details what the end-product would be, how it would be made, and then they receive a few guidelines on how to meet those expectations.

Trey is the Creative Director for the Clemson chapter of Technical Association of the Graphic Arts (TAGA) and serves as its Social Media Ambassador. He is also the Managing Editor of The Tiger Newspaper. In addition, he is part of the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) Charlotte Chapter. Most of what Trey has created has been done through Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. He prides himself on forming a positive and amicable relationship with clients and teammates. He is very capable of imagining and designing projects to impress clients!

Kerri Durkan made the most of her time at Nation Ford HS and took advantage of every opportunity she was given/earned. Before graduating in 2018, she took health science and biomedical classes and pursued a work-based learning opportunity with Genetics Counselor, Christen Csuy, which ultimately lead to an internship at Novant Women's Center her senior year of high school. In fact, Dr. Csuy wrote a fabulous recommendation on her behalf for a research project at Appalachian State University where she is completing her bachelor’s degree in cellular/molecular biology early and plans to do her master’s degree. She has been a chemistry lab teaching assistant and now an undergrad research assistant. In fact, Kerri received the Dr. Carolyn Hampton Research Scholarship from the biology department for the most worthy undergraduate research project. She is also President of Tri-beta Biological Honor Society and a member of the Chemistry Club. Her first journal is being published at the end of the semester.

 

Her Linked In profile reads: “I am an avid lover of genetics with a keen interest in pursuing an education in population and evolutionary genetics. I began a capstone research project under the advisory of Dr. Scott Chiavlo in October of 2019, where I am attempting to identify what alleles increase in frequency within the D. falleni population following selection for increased toxin tolerance. Starting the Fall of 2021, I will be continuing my research with Dr. Scott Chialvo as a member of the accelerated admission graduate program.” 

In February 2021, she wrote to say “my high school internship at Novant once again made me a stand-out applicant. I am currently sitting on acceptances from Vanderbilt, Chapel Hill, and Appalachian State University, and I am waiting to hear back on a few more. I was actually offered a fellowship here at App State that would pay my tuition and living costs if I were to teach the genetics labs to ungrads, so I am planning on staying here for my master's degree. (My fellowship is large enough that I got my first one-bedroom apartment! Adulting! Woohoo!) On top of graduating a year early, I am currently conducting my own independent research study and will be presenting my findings at a national conference this upcoming summer. Now that I have officially made it through my bachelor's degree, secured my first 'big girl' job, and will be a published scientist, I would LOVE to be able to help you introduce genetics to some of the students. If you happen to come across some students interested in genetics or bioinformatics in any way, please feel free to use me as a resource!”

This is a generous offer for a student, who is “sincerely curious” about genetics. Please let me know if you want to ask Kerri questions about her education, research, and career plan. She is a shining example of how to use work-based learning in high school and college to launch your career. On 10/22/21 she spoke to Daniel, who is a NF senior studying Health Science and considering a medical career with an emphasis in genetics. Here is the video of their discussion. 

Emma Langan

My name is Emma Langan, and I am a graduate of Fort Mill High School. In addition to being an Early Childhood Education completer, I also worked alongside Mrs. Brackett to learn more about potential careers I was interested in. With the help of Mrs. Brackett, I was able to interview psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and even tour an in-patient mental health facility. Through talking to these professionals, I was better able to decide on a major before going to college and to figure out what career I wanted to work towards. I am now majoring in Psychology at the College of Charleston Honors College, with hopes of going to graduate or medical school!

Psychology, Project Affirmation

Eleanore Fernandez developed Project Affirmation when she was still in high school at Fort Mill High School. For the past six years patients in residential care programs throughout the Charlotte region have been receiving anonymous cards from High School 101 students, who send messages of love and concern for those healing from mental health issues.