Students Discover Local Industry Opportunities at RIME Event

The Regional Industry & Manufacturing Expo (RIME) successfully welcomed more than 400 students from across Eastern North Carolina for a day of hands-on career exploration and industry engagement. The event brought together students, educators, and employers to showcase the wide range of career opportunities available throughout the region.

 At the Lenoir Community College Aerospace & Advanced Manufacturing Center, students had the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of indoor exhibitors spanning manufacturing, healthcare, energy, education, and public service. Employers such as Airbus, Fleet Readiness Center East, Electrolux Group, Duke Energy, and UNC Health Lenoir engaged directly with students, offering insight into career pathways, required skills, and day-to-day operations.

 Outdoor exhibits at the North Carolina Global TransPark provided an interactive experience, with companies like Caterpillar, Barnhill Contracting Company, and NCDOT showcasing equipment and careers in construction, infrastructure, and the skilled trades. These hands-on demonstrations gave students a deeper understanding of the critical roles these industries play in supporting regional growth.

 A highlight of the event was the series of industry tours held across Wayne, Lenoir, Greene, and Jones counties. Students visited local employers, including Crown Equipment, Electrolux Group, flyExclusive, Wayne Sanderson Farms, and Lions Industries for the Blind, Inc., gaining firsthand exposure to real-world work environments and career opportunities.

 RIME continues to serve as a powerful workforce development initiative by connecting students with local industries and helping them envision their future right here in Eastern North Carolina. The event not only highlights the strength of the region’s workforce pipeline but also reinforces the importance of collaboration between education and industry in building a sustainable economy.