From left to right: Dr. Ron Bartley, president of Northeastern Technical College, stands with NETC student Zachary Earle, of McBee, and Lee McCollum, a representative from Progress Energy.  McCollum recently visited NETC’s campus in Cheraw to deliver a scholarship check to Earle to help with educational expenses while enrolled at Northeastern Technical College as part of the Progress Energy Power Careers program.

October 13, 2010
NETC Student Earns Scholarship Through Power Careers Program

Northeastern Technical College student Zachary Earle, of McBee, recently received a scholarship from Progress Energy for his involvement in the company’s Power Careers Program.

The program was created by Progress Energy in 2002 as a way to work with community colleges to recruit, train and hire new employees for plant-related jobs.  The scholarships assist selected students with completion of an associate degree by helping with educational expenses.  
 
While in the program, students pursue a degree relevant to the power industry and are eligible for part time employment at a local power plant.  Based on job evaluations, academic performance, experience and company vacancies, students may then be offered employment by Progress Energy upon graduation.
 
To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be nominated by high school or community college instructors, must maintain a 3.2 GPA and show good job evaluations.
 
Earle is enrolled in the associate degree in Industrial Maintenance program at the College and worked at the Robinson Fossil Plant in Hartsville as part of program.  
 
“This program has given me on-the-job experience that I have been learning about in the classroom,” said Earle who is a graduate of McBee High School.  “It’s also given me something to add to my resume and has increased the potential of employment opportunities once I graduate from Northeastern Technical College.”