Rachael Wright found the perfect mix of academics and apprenticeship for success at GTCC

“Going to GTCC gave me real-world exposure that I wouldn't have found by going straight to a four-year school," said Wright.

Rachael Wright is set to graduate in May from Guilford Technical Community College with dual associate degrees — one in science and the other in applied science for electronics engineering technology, earned through the college's comprehensive electronics engineering program. Amazingly, though, her education at GTCC actually runs much deeper.

Since enrolling at GTCC almost three years ago, Wright has participated in an apprenticeship with the Greensboro-based Cross Company in its precision measurement services sector. This role complimented her classroom learning while also providing valuable hands-on employment experience.

“When I graduated (from high school) I entered the Cross Company’s apprenticeship program working with calibrations,” said Wright, a 2022 graduate of Ragsdale High School. “I’ve worked with anything that has any type of measurements, anything from a torque wrench to timing to scales.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity. It’s not the biggest company, but it’s spread out and has a lot of departments. It’s a place for everyone.”

Wright’s apprenticeship is through the Guilford Apprenticeship Partners (GAP). GAP is a public-private partnership that offers high school students a four-year apprenticeship program, providing them with paid work experience, a tuition-free associate degree, and a guaranteed full-time job upon completion in various industries such as advanced manufacturing, information technology, and automotive.

“I would certainly recommend this (apprenticeship) program to others. The hands-on experience is worth so much,” said Wright, who despite the academic load of two degrees and an apprenticeship, still found time to serve as a Student Ambassador while at GTCC.

Wright has been accepted at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, where she plans to pursue her long-time goal of studying information systems and supply chain management.

With help from the Cross Company, Wright recently moved from calibrations into the company’s shipping department to get initial hands-on experience for her major at UNCG.

“I had the opportunity to move toward my long-term goal,” said Wright.

“Now I work in shipping, and I’m starting to lean into the logistics part of it.”

As Wright nears the next big step toward a career, she’s adamant about the role GTCC has played in her life.

“GTCC has helped me develop my professional and networking skills. I've been introduced to many different people from different stages of life,” said Wright. “Going to GTCC gave me real-world exposure that I wouldn't have found by going straight to a four-year school.”