Mayland Community College marked continued expansion of its workforce initiatives through its Mayland Works Apprenticeship Signing Day events held Nov. 19 and Nov. 20, welcoming new employer partners and celebrating students beginning hands-on career training.
On Nov. 19, Mitchell County Economic Development, led by Executive Director Bill Slagle, formally partnered with Mayland Works to host apprentice Marley Cloer in the role of Public Affairs Marketing Specialist. Cloer will receive hands-on training inpublic outreach, community engagement, and marketing in support of local economic development efforts.
Slagle said the partnership aligns closely with the Economic Development Commission’s mission to improve quality of life for residents by recruiting new business, supporting existing employers, and serving as a reliable resource for the community through strong partnerships, accountability, and customer service.
On Nov. 20, Newtomics PLLC, also known as The Clinic of Joshua Newton, PA-C, joined the program as a new apprenticeship partner. Led by Joshua Newton, PA-C, the clinic provides relationship-centered primary care to residents across Mitchell, Avery,
Yancey and surrounding counties, offering services that include specialty procedures, lab services, radiology coordination, and IV hydration therapy. Apprentice Abigail Burleson will serve as a Medical Secretary, gaining experience in patient
communication, scheduling, and medical office administration.
Both apprenticeships are being supported through partnerships with the NCWorks Career Center, the High Country Workforce Development Board, and other regional workforce agencies that assist with sponsorship and program funding.
“Mayland Works Apprenticeship Signing Day represents the kind of collaboration that truly strengthens our local workforce,” said Sarah Margaret Smith, Mayland Works Coordinator at Mayland Community College. “By bringing education, employers, and
workforce agencies together, we are creating sustainable career pathways that benefit both students and business partners across our region.”
The Mayland Works Apprenticeship Program connects employers across Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey counties with apprenticeships that combine on-the-job training with related classroom instruction. Participants earn industry-recognized credentials while preparing for long-term employment in high-demand fields.
For more information about the Mayland Works Apprenticeship Program, visit mayland.info/maylandworks or call 828.766.1273.
