A Corinth Holders High student and four current JCC students received scholarships to study diesel mechanics.
The Eastern Chapter of the NC Transportation Maintenance Council recently awarded toolboxes, tool sets, gift cards, and other prizes valued at more than $17,000 to 29 students in the diesel and heavy equipment technology programs at Johnston Community College and James Sprunt Community College.
Also, the council presented a $2,500 scholarship to Benjamin Burchfield, a Corinth Holders High School student. Darius Ferrell of Wendell, Quinten McCain of Four Oaks, and Joshua Williams of Smithfield, current students in the diesel mechanics program at JCC, received a $1,200 scholarship. Ben Coleman of Smithfield was awarded a $500 scholarship in honor of Sherman Graham, a retired diesel instructor at JCC.
Part of the council’s “Tools for Techs” initiative, the tool kits help offset some of the expenses associated with a career as a diesel technician and help make recipients more employable after graduation.
“Students enrolled in the diesel program need to not only receive a good education to be prepared for their career, they must also invest in the proper tools to be able to perform their job,” said instructor Johnny Green. “The transportation vehicle maintenance industry has confirmed their support in helping these future technicians accomplish their goals through the donations which were awarded. We now have 29 students who are much better prepared to tackle a challenging career, and we very much appreciate the industry support.”
The students received the toolboxes, tool kits, prizes and scholarships during a ceremony held at JCC on Dec. 11.
The goal of the NCTMC is to promote professional maintenance practices, new technologies, products and processes to improve maintenance practices and network with suppliers and peers in the industry.
