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Career counselor Sarah Wilson helps students shine at Skilled Trades Connect
For 21 years, Sarah Wilson has been impacting the lives of students as a career counselor at Central Piedmont Community College. Among her major projects each year is preparing them for Skilled Trades Connect. The February hiring event puts students in skilled trades programs face-to-face with potential employers at Central Piedmont’s Harper Campus.
“My role with student preparation is helping students feel comfortable with talking to employers about their skill set, whether it is in a 30-second introduction, an elevator pitch, or an interview,” Sarah says. “I want every student to feel comfortable doing that. I want every student to feel really excited about their résumé because they have skills. It's just putting them into a format that's going to speak to our area employers. That's what I focus on with this event, and I do that through a variety of avenues.”
A Charlotte native, Sarah received her master's degree in counseling in Ohio. She then returned to the Queen City, excited to help teach students the skills needed to be desirable in the workforce. She remembers her first day at Central Piedmont and feeling like she “hit the lottery.”
Helping improve lives in such a diverse student population drew her to the college.
"Our instructors at Central Piedmont are providing students with high-quality instruction in the classroom, so they are coming out of their programs with marketable skills," she says. “The opportunity to work with them so that they understand how to translate that into employer language and take that into the job market is a really rewarding career.”One of the many ways she does that is through Skilled Trades Connect, which Sarah is quick to point out is a collaborative effort among faculty, staff, and leadership.
The event has evolved from a tradeshow format in its earliest incarnation to the hiring event it is today. In 2026, the focus is on the five skilled trades housed at Harper Campus — HVAC, construction management, electrical, non-destructive examination, and welding.
The event consistently gets positive feedback from students, faculty, and employers, due in no small part to the human element.
“With all the online applications, sometimes it can be hard to meet up with an employer in person,” Sarah says. “This event allows students to do that. It allows employers to meet our students and our graduates and connect with great results.”
Sarah has developed many relationships through the program. She fondly recalls one event in which a student she had worked with sought her out, eager to explain they were now representing a company hiring there.
Sarah has worked in a variety of capacities with the event over the years, but her favorite part is what happens beforehand — whether it’s visiting classrooms or meeting with students individually.“The day of the event is amazing, but I also love the preparation that goes into it,” she says.
In her more than two decades at Central Piedmont, Sarah has been a positive influence on countless students.
“I feel very grateful to have a job that allows me to make a difference in the lives of other people, and it provides meaning in my own life,” she says. “Thank you to Central Piedmont for that.”
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Dual Enrollment helps Jaison Maxwell fashion a college career early
Jaison Maxwell, a high school student in Charlotte, has already made a name for himself in the fashion scene. He showcases his work in numerous fashion shows and belongs to the Charlotte Fashion Collective. He studies fashion, design, and digital arts in high school while also attending Central Piedmont Community College through the Dual Enrollment program.
At Central Piedmont, his focus is on business administration and liberal arts. He’ll graduate with an associate degree this spring and attend SCAD Atlanta to double major in fashion design and fashion marketing.
An ambitious learner, Jaison originally hoped to take on a different program, allowing him to take classes for college credit while he still attends Northwest School for the Arts. However, he didn’t have the funds, and his career and technical education coordinator suggested the free opportunity at Central Piedmont instead.
“I was very nervous because [students here come from] all different ages, genders, and backgrounds,” Jaison says of his initial experience at Central Piedmont. “When I answered the introduction discussion post, [people said], ‘Hi, I’m a veteran, or I’m a single mom, or I’m a grocery store worker,’ and I’m a high school student. I didn’t have much to share about my life story.
“I thought that meant that they’re going to be better than me, know more, write more, or get a higher grade. But once I started taking the classes and realized that I could measure up, it definitely lessened my nerves.”
Jaison steadily increased the number of classes he took at Central Piedmont, and he acknowledges it led to some anxiety. Eventually, he created a spreadsheet and learned to plan ahead. Plus, taking many classes online helped.
“Taking classes online through Dual Enrollment has allowed me to pick up and go wherever I need to instead of having to be set to a specific time,” Jaison says.
Jaison also learned there is no perfect way to balance time but rather takes it all day by day.
“If there are more assignments for my high school, then I have to take more time in high school,” he says. “If there are more assignments at Central Piedmont, then I have to focus on Central Piedmont. If I have to do a fashion collection at the last minute, then I just have to do that.”He has a very busy schedule, which also includes serving as president of his high school’s DECA chapter. He is part of the Black Student Union, Fashion Club, and National Honor Society as well.
He says there was no defining moment that made Dual Enrollment the right choice. Rather, he simply started and made the grades to keep going. It all ultimately paid off.“I would most definitely recommend doing Dual Enrollment,” he says. “It’s helped me so much with not only my high school classes, my GPA, and my confidence with education, but it allows me to have a more flexible way of learning.”
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Central Piedmont to resume normal operations Feb. 4
Central Piedmont will resume normal operations on Wednesday, Feb. 4. All campuses will reopen for in-person classes and events.
Those on campus for in-person classes and events on Wednesday are encouraged to take care as some walkways may still be hazardous. Students, employees, and visitors should pay attention to signage and avoid closed-off areas.
Students and employees can check their Central Piedmont email for more information. Community members can also follow our social media channels for any future college updates:
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Central Piedmont operations update for Feb. 3
Central Piedmont will continue reduced operations on Tuesday, Feb. 3. All classes will be shifted to remote learning. In-person events will be canceled, and campuses and buildings will be closed.
During reduced operations, current and prospective students can join virtual lines for many services through the QLess kiosk, including assistance with applications, financial aid, advising, and more.
The college will continue to monitor the weather and provide guidance for Wednesday, Feb. 4 by 4 p.m. on Tuesday.
Students and employees are encouraged to check their Central Piedmont email for more information. Updates will also be shared on Central Piedmont’s social media channels:
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Daisy Corea sees her future in ophthalmology
Daisy Corea always knew she wanted a secure, stable career in healthcare. The Charlotte native found it in the Ophthalmic Medical Personnel program at Central Piedmont Community College.
“Ever since I was a kid, I’ve wanted to do something in medicine,” she says. “I’m very passionate about helping people, but I never knew where to start until I got a receptionist job in ophthalmology. I fell in love with everything I saw the assistants doing.”
Ophthalmology focuses on diagnosing and treating degenerative eye conditions and disorders, including glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and more.
Daisy’s desire to get to work as soon as possible led her to the three-semester certification program at Central Piedmont. When she receives her diploma in July 2026, she’ll be eligible to sit for the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant exam. It is administered by the International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (IJCAHPO).
“I really love that everything I'm learning in this program is something that I'll be carrying into my career,” Daisy says.
She was pleasantly surprised to find that even within her first semester, she was working in a clinic with live patients and putting classroom lessons to use.
She also had a lot of questions about the administrative side of the program before she started. However, she found the whole experience was remarkably straightforward.
“I didn't have a single question that was left unanswered, and I felt really satisfied with the team that was helping me get started here,” she says.
While Daisy is undeniably driven and focused on her career, she’s also fond of taking advantage of the amenities offered at Central Piedmont’s Central Campus. That includes attending events at the Parr Center or just grabbing lunch and enjoying the scenery.
Daisy is a Merancas Scholar, providing significant support as she attends college and invests in herself.
“I went through a lot of financial hardships, so deciding to go to school was a big life-changer for me,” she says. “It was something that I wanted to do, but I wasn't sure where to start. I was too afraid of the commitment of having to pay off student loans and student debt. But Central Piedmont really did make it easy for me, and with the security of being able to jump right into the career of my dreams, it's so comforting.”
Daisy is currently interning at Horizon Eye Care. She next plans to begin working full-time at one of the various partner clinics she has rotated through as an intern during her program. Although she’s unsure where that will be, she’s excited to explore all the avenues ophthalmology has to offer and further expand the skills she first learned at Central Piedmont.
“I feel confident and comfortable with the fact that I’ve secured a career that will last me for life,” she says. “It’s something so interesting, and I'm so excited for the impact that I'm able to make in other people's lives.”
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Central Piedmont operations update for Feb. 2
Central Piedmont will move to reduced operations on Monday, Feb. 2. All classes will be shifted to remote learning. In-person events will be canceled, and campuses and buildings will be closed.
The college will continue to monitor the weather and provide guidance for Tuesday, Feb. 3 by 4 p.m. on Monday.
Students and employees are encouraged to check their Central Piedmont email for more information. Updates will also be shared on Central Piedmont’s social media channels:
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Central Piedmont celebrates impact of Lowe's Foundation Gable Grant on skilled trades
- Renovated facilities increase number of classes offered
- Mobile trailers allow for educational opportunities across Mecklenburg County
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Over 500 credentials awarded in relation to grant since 2024
CHARLOTTE, NC - Central Piedmont Community College showcased the transformative impact of the Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grant with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new skilled trades facility on Jan. 15.
Thanks to the $1 million award that the college received in 2024, Central Piedmont renovated a previously vacant building to create the Levine Campus Learning Cottage, a facility housing construction, electrical, HVAC, and refrigeration labs. Beginning this semester, students will gain hands-on experience in these high-demand fields, preparing them for rewarding careers in the skilled trades.
The grant also funded the upfit of a trailer as a mobile electrical lab, with another portable trailer soon to become a mobile construction lab. These mobile units will enable the college to deliver skilled trades education to every corner of Mecklenburg County, removing barriers to access and ensuring opportunity for all.
Additional improvements include the build-out of a construction yard, renovation of the air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration lab at the Harper Campus, and investments in technology such as laptops and smartboards to enhance classroom instruction.
“This investment is more than a financial contribution — it’s a commitment to building futures, strengthening communities, and ensuring that skilled trades education is accessible to all,” said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, president of Central Piedmont. “Thanks to the Lowe’s Foundation and its partners, we are creating pathways to opportunity and shaping the next generation of skilled trades professionals.”
Beyond facilities, the Gable Grant has strengthened community partnerships with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Rebuilding Opportunities in Construction (ROC), and other organizations committed to workforce development and student success.
Since 2024, Central Piedmont has awarded 525 certifications related to the grant, with more to come. Each certification represents a student ready to enter the workforce, support their family, and contribute to the region’s economic vitality.
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Central Piedmont operations update for Jan. 31 – Feb. 1
Central Piedmont will move to reduced operations on Saturday, Jan. 31. All classes will be shifted to remote learning. In-person events will be canceled, and campuses and buildings will be closed.
The college will move to a full closure on Sunday, Feb. 1. All campuses and buildings will be closed, and all events and classes on these days will be canceled.
The college will continue to monitor the weather throughout the weekend and provide guidance for Monday, Feb. 2 by 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 1.
Students and employees are encouraged to check their Central Piedmont email for more information. Updates will also be shared on Central Piedmont’s social media channels:
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Central Piedmont operations update for Jan. 27-28
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Central Piedmont will move to reduced operations (Level 2) on Tuesday, Jan. 27. All classes will move to remote learning.
All campuses and buildings will be closed, and all in-person events will be canceled.
The college plans to resume normal operations on Wednesday, Jan. 28.
The college will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates as necessary. Students and employees are encouraged to check their Central Piedmont email for more information. Updates will also be shared on Central Piedmont’s social media channels:
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Central Piedmont Community College adjusts operations Jan. 24-26 due to weather
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Due to the potential threat of winter weather, Central Piedmont Community College is adjusting operations from Jan. 24-26.
On Saturday, Jan. 24, all classes will take place remotely, and all events on campus are cancelled.
On Sunday, Jan. 25 and Monday, Jan. 26, all classes and events are canceled. All campuses and buildings will be closed on these days.
The college will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates as necessary. Students and employees are encouraged to check their Central Piedmont email for more information. Updates will also be shared on Central Piedmont’s social media channels: