Chad Robinson

The networking I’ve been able to do has been incredible. I’ve had amazing opportunities that I never thought I would be able to have.

Central Piedmont Community College Grad

Assistant Apprenticeship Manager at Siemens Energy

Chad Robinson always assumed he’d head straight to a four-year university once he graduated high school. But after learning about an apprenticeship program with Siemens through Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC), Chad knew this was one opportunity he couldn’t pass up. After all, working at the US plant of a German-based automation technology conglomerate wouldn’t only open new doors, but also paid Chad’s way through CPCC where he earned two associate degrees—one in computer integrated machining and the other in business.

During his time at CPCC, Chad met a friend who was part of an exchange program from Germany and suggested Chad apply for it as well. Only 75 Americans are accepted each year, so Chad was surprised when he was chosen to spend the year in Germany split between a submersion language school and a semester at a German university. “There are so many routes you can take rather than going to a four-year university right away. You don’t have to do it the exact same way that everyone else does,” Chad reflected.

After returning from Germany sooner than expected due to the pandemic, Siemens created a position for Chad working under the apprenticeship manager. “The apprenticeship program has given so much to me, I really enjoy being able to give back to it,” Chad admitted. In addition to working at Siemens, Chad is attending UNC Charlotte, where he’s double majoring in international business and German. He’s appreciative of his time at CPCC because it gave him a chance to explore a lot of different avenues and fields of study before moving on to his bachelor’s degree.

Through his CPCC apprenticeship program, Chad also had the chance to meet the new CEO of Siemens US, which in turn led to him being invited to the White House to speak about apprenticeships. There he met President Trump, Vice President Pence, several international CEOs and Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel. “The networking I’ve been able to do has been incredible.” Chad said appreciatively. “I’ve had amazing opportunities that I never thought I would be able to have.”

Let’s find the right path for you.

Answer a few questions to see what your best route to getting hired might be.

Have you completed high school or an equivalent?

Nope. I’ve got a few years left.

Do you want to work toward earning a degree?

Yep.

All signs point to you getting a head start on your higher education while you’re still in high school.

That’s because the Career & College Promise program allows you to have duel enrollment, so you can work on both at the same time. And since this program is also tuition free, it’s a real money-saver.

Maybe.

All signs point to you getting a head start on your higher education while you’re still in high school.

Nope.

Your answers suggest on-the-job learning might be a great way to get your foot in the door.

This type of training combines hands-on learning with related classroom instruction. Apprentices earn money while learning a highly-skilled trade from an employer. State and federal certificates as well as other credentials can also be completed through an apprenticeship.

No.

How do you see community college benefitting you?

By helping me grow my skills.

Looks like your top priority is getting the skills you need fast—so you can land a good job quickly.

Short-term training, sometimes called continuing education, comes in various forms and are all focused on helping you gain the real-world skills you need to get into—or move up in—a number of fields. These courses often lead to state licensure or a certificate upon completion.

By preparing me to start a new career.

Your answers suggest on-the-job learning might be a great way to get your foot in the door.

Yes. (Or at least, I will soon.)

Are you interested in earning college credit?

Yes, definitely.

Which way do you prefer to learn?

Virtually or physically, being part of a class works for me.

How much time are you willing to spend getting an education?

Two years, tops. I’m trying to get done and get a job ASAP.

Seems like you want the opportunities that come with a degree, but in half the time of a bachelor’s.

Associate degrees are perfect for that. They can give you a big advantage over many non-degree holders in the job market—and open up even more potential positions that were previously out of reach. You’ll have relevant skills employers want in about two years.

I could do four—or more.

Great! Sounds like you plan on using community college as a stepping stone to a four-year university.

Like any associate degree, transfer degrees take about two years to complete—but this one includes general education credits that are easily transferable. It counts the same as having completed two years toward a bachelor’s degree.

I learn best by being hands-on. Just show me how to do it.

Your answers suggest on-the-job learning might be a great way to get your foot in the door.

Nope, I don’t need it.

How do you see community college benefitting you?

By helping me grow my skills.

Looks like your top priority is getting the skills you need fast—so you can land a good job quickly.

By preparing me to start a new career.

Looks like your top priority is gaining real-world skills—either through on-the-job learning or continuing education.

Short-term training or an apprenticeship can help you gain the specific skills you need to get into—or move up in—a number of fields. Certificates, licensure and other credentials can be completed through these programs via hands-on learning and/or classroom instruction.

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