Leading global aerospace firm Ontic has launched the first apprenticeship program at its Creedmoor site in partnership with Vance-Granville Community College and the Granville County Chamber of Commerce. Omar Espinoza and Joey Richmond, who both study Mechatronics Engineering Technology at Vance-Granville, recently became Ontic’s first two local apprentices.
Speaking of his decision to join an apprenticeship, Joey said, “Our Department Chair at college is a big advocate for getting people into the workplace while learning. He really encouraged us to go for the opportunity at Ontic. We’ve been really lucky to be able to get a much broader understanding of how the business works, as well as building our technical understanding.”
Adding to this, Omar explained that he went to a job fair and saw lots of people crowded around the Ontic recruitment stand, which piqued his interest. “I joined the crowd, heard about the apprenticeship and what Ontic offers, and decided to apply. I’ve always been interested in working in aerospace and want to be an aerospace engineer in the future. Being able to earn while studying has also been a huge bonus!”
Omar and Joey work at Ontic Monday–Friday while still attending VGCC classes, giving them the best of both worlds. Contracted for 6,000 hours across the apprenticeship, it will take around three years for the students to complete their apprenticeship. Once completed, they’ll be qualified in a range of electro-mechanical competencies.
Other local employers interested in launching an apprenticeship program with Vance-Granville should visit www.vgcc.edu/career-services/employer-resources.
To learn more about VGCC’s Mechatronics Engineering Technology program, contact Department Chair David Bullock at (252) 738-3541 or [email protected].
About Ontic
Ontic is a leading global aerospace OEM, providing complex engineered parts and repair services for established aircraft in the defense and commercial market. Boasting a portfolio of 8,000+ top-level assemblies, Ontic is proud to work with customers around the globe, with its team of experts delivering a wide variety of critical technologies, including fuel measurement systems, as well as a range of avionics, cockpit instruments and controls. With over 50 years of product manufacturing and aftermarket support experience, Ontic operates across North America, the UK, and Asia, providing strategic worldwide support to civil and defense customers.
