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A Cleveland High student and current JCC student also received scholarships to study diesel mechanics.
The Eastern Chapter of the North Carolina Transportation Maintenance Council recently awarded tool boxes, tool sets, gift cards, and other prizes valued at over $17,000 to 21 students in the Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology Program at Johnston Community College.
Also, the council presented a $2,500 scholarship to Andrew Scott Wicker, a Cleveland High School student and Joshua Williams, a current student in the diesel and heavy equipment technology program, received a $1,500 scholarship given in memory of the late Billy Phillips, former lead instructor of the program who passed away earlier this year.
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 21 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, and prizes and Wicker and Williams were awarded the scholarship during a ceremony held at JCC on Dec. 12.
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.