Two Davie County High School graduates are turning their classroom learning into real-world success through the Davidson and Davie Apprenticeship Consortium (DDAC).
Joshua Bowman and Logan Walterman were among 11 new apprentices honored at DDAC’s annual signing ceremony held at Davidson-Davie Community College. The event celebrated students who completed a summer pre-apprenticeship and are now officially beginning their paid apprenticeships with local 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.”
Local Students, Local Opportunities
The Davidson and Davie Apprenticeship Consortium is helping students like Joshua and Logan start rewarding careers close to home. Apprentices split their time between college classes at Davidson-Davie Community College and on-the-job training with one of DDAC’s member companies.
Joshua Bowman is working with EGGER Wood Products in Lexington, and Logan Walterman is an electrical apprentice with SBA Home in Mocksville. Both are earning competitive pay, gaining hands-on experience, and attending college tuition-free.
“Programs like DDAC help us build a strong pipeline of skilled workers who can grow their careers without having to leave Davie County,” said Terry Bralley, president of the Davie County Economic Development Commission.
Joshua Bowman: “I’m Getting Paid to Learn”
For Joshua Bowman, the apprenticeship is the perfect mix of learning and doing.
“Instead of paying to go to school, I am getting paid for school and work and learning a lot from both in the process,” he said. “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.”
His supervisor, Lukas Brandauer, apprentice manager at EGGER, said Joshua has a bright future.
“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 Experienced Mentors
For Logan Walterman, learning from experienced technicians at SBA Home has been one of the best parts of the apprenticeship.
“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… Overall, my favorite part of the experience has been learning from the great people here.”
Seth Tucker, an electrical automation technician, said mentoring Logan has been rewarding.
“Working with Logan has been a fun experience for me thus far,” Tucker said. “Passing on troubleshooting knowledge and general understanding of electrical systems will be a valuable asset to his career.”
Vadzim Yatskevich, senior automation technician, added, “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.”
A Win for Students and the Community
The DDAC apprenticeship program gives students a head start in growing industries like advanced manufacturing. Apprentices can earn while they learn — gaining skills, experience, and college credits at no cost.
Local companies benefit too, by training future employees who understand their business and are ready to succeed. 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
- Siemens Mobility
Growing Talent Right Here in Davie County
Formed in 2019, DDAC is all about helping local students build great careers without leaving home. With support from Davidson-Davie Community College and local employers, the program is preparing a new generation of skilled workers who will help our community continue to thrive.
To learn more about apprenticeship opportunities, visit ddacapprentice.org.