From Classroom to Career: Six LCPS Seniors Sign with Crown Equipment

For six Lenoir County Public Schools seniors, graduation doesn’t just mark the end of high school. It marks the beginning of a career.

During Crown Equipment Corporation's sixth annual Apprentice Signing Day, six students accepted full-time employment offers, becoming the latest success stories in a workforce development partnership that is helping build the future of Lenoir County.

Blake Cahoon, Justin Eichorn, Spencer Stocks, Hayden Hutchinson, Islynd Shirey, and Tyshawn Paulk signed employment offers with Crown after completing the company's high school apprenticeship program. At least one member of this year's class will began their career earning $26.50 per hour immediately following graduation.

The apprenticeship program, launched in 2019 through a partnership between Crown Equipment, Lenoir County Public Schools, and Lenoir Community College, was designed to connect students with career opportunities while helping meet local workforce needs. Since its inception, 25 students have completed the program, and 18 have gone on to become full-time Crown employees.

"We've had some of our best employees come through this apprenticeship program," said Rose Mary Jones, Human Resources Manager at Crown Equipment. "They're loyal, they're dedicated, they come in with a career, and they're ready to go."

What began as conversations about workforce development has evolved into a proven pathway for students interested in advanced manufacturing careers. Apprentices gain hands-on experience while still in high school, working alongside Crown employees who volunteer as mentors and help prepare students for success in the workplace.

Plant Manager Rob Burgin said the partnership continues to deliver exceptional students year after year.

"We continue to get a tremendous group from the high schools," Burgin said. "Thank you to the teachers that send these students our way. They've been phenomenal."

The students were recognized alongside the Crown employees who serve as mentors throughout the apprenticeship experience. Their guidance helps apprentices develop both technical skills and the professional habits needed for long-term success.

Crown leaders also emphasized the company's commitment to promoting from within, noting that many employees have advanced into leadership positions through continued training and career development opportunities.

Dr. Amy Jones, LCPS Director of High School Curriculum and Career and Technical Education, said the partnership has become one of the district's most impactful workforce development initiatives.

"We were very nervous about this in 2019 when we got started, but we knew that we could grow into this together," Jones said. "It has become the most incredible opportunity for our students."

Jones said the apprenticeship program benefits not only students and Crown, but the entire community by creating pathways to high-quality careers and strengthening the local workforce. Crown is looking forward to welcoming five new student apprentices this coming school year to continue that effort.

As this year's graduates prepare to walk across the stage, they will do so knowing their next chapter is already underway. Through a partnership built on opportunity, training, and community investment, six more students are moving directly from the classroom to careers.