Cavco NC Teams Up with Local Apprenticeship Program

Supporting young men and women interested in the building and construction industry not only benefits the community but also presents an excellent opportunity to attract skilled talent, making it a win-win situation.

To that end, Cavco North Carolina has proudly partnered with the North Carolina Apprenticeship Program at Richmond Community College (RCC) for the past two years.

Through this program, Cavco offers apprenticeship opportunities to aspiring tradespeople at RCC studying everything from electrical and plumbing to welding and HVAC. These apprenticeships provide valuable, hands-on experience in the manufactured homes industry while also allowing participants to earn while they learn.

The program combines paid, work-based learning with classroom instruction, enabling apprentices to acquire essential skills, earn credentials and kickstart their careers.

In addition to the invaluable experience, ApprenticeshipNC offers financial support to students in their program for classes and books, and even gives them a nice allowance for tools and work gear, making it an attractive option for aspiring tradespeople.

It Only Takes One

Eduardo Mendez-Guerrero is a graduate who has benefited from this program. Eduardo's journey began with his high school skilled trade classes, where his passion for building and construction was born. Encouraged by his high school teachers, Eduardo pursued an internship working at the Volumetric Building Companies plant, since acquired by Cavco Industries, where he was able to learn about the manufactured home industry.

After graduating, Eduardo wanted to acquire the full range of skilled trades certificates at RCC while continuing to work at Cavco. Recognizing his potential, Eduardo's teachers at RCC suggested he enroll in the ApprenticeshipNC program, allowing him to continue to work while further developing his skills.

“I think the apprenticeship program is a real positive,” Eduardo said. “It allows you to get training in a lot of different fields and the opportunity to get a job doing what you like.”

His success inspired RCC instructors to partner with Cavco to provide practical skills training in the manufactured homes industry. Through in-class presentations, field trips to the plant, and collaborative efforts, Cavco and RCC are nurturing the next generation of skilled tradespeople while providing valuable local job opportunities.

“Eduardo really started all this. He’s amazing and really well-rounded – he’s a rock star,” said Monica Hancock, People Operations Specialist, Cavco NC.

For Cavco, the apprenticeship program isn't just a way to support the community, but also a strategic investment in talent. By recruiting apprentices with basic skills and a passion for learning, Cavco can train them according to its standards, ensuring their success in the industry.

“The program is beneficial to Cavco because it brings in people with a skill level and troubleshooting ability that we don’t have to teach and it’s easier to train them on Cavco’s way of doing things,” says Tyler Fuller, General Manager. “It also helps when someone comes in with enthusiasm along with a basic level of training because they’re likely to be more successful.”

The Future Is Bright

Looking ahead, Cavco North Carolina plans to continue its partnership with RCC and the ApprenticeshipNC program, offering presentations, plant tours and apprenticeship opportunities.

As for Eduardo, he’s almost finished his training at RCC, but his journey is far from over. He plans to get his HVAC and plumbing certifications to round out his skills set. As for his future, Cavco still plays a large part. In fact, he’s been going through the Master of Craft program, already achieving Level III.

“Master of Craft has been really useful and helped me measure my skills and my level of knowledge,” he said. “I think it helps you improve your trade skills.”

However, his ambitions may be a little more entrepreneurial.

“I want to learn every aspect of the building and construction industry,” Eduardo said. “Maybe someday I'll start my own construction company.”

With grit, drive and determination like he’s shown at RCC and his work at Cavco, there’s little doubt that Eduardo will be able to achieve whatever he sets his mind to.