Shelby High Student Finds Her Spark at CCC

When Bryanna Veliz signed up for Cleveland Community College’s Careers Electric Summer Electrical Academy, she wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. She knew she wanted to challenge herself and explore a possible career path. Just a few weeks later, she’s found something much bigger: confidence, purpose and a clear vision for her future.

The rising Shelby High School senior spends her days learning the ins and outs of electrical systems, reading blueprints and gaining hands-on experience that many students don’t encounter until much later in their careers. And she couldn’t be happier about it.

“I wanted to do the academy for the experience and to eventually get my license,” Veliz said. “I wanted to see if this was really what I wanted to do, and it definitely is.”

Veliz is one of 18 students participating in CCC’s eight-week Summer Electrical Academy, a program made possible through the Siemens Foundation’s Careers Electric™ initiative. Students earn college credit, complete a registered pre-apprenticeship and gain real-world experience while exploring careers in one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing industries.

For Veliz, the journey started years ago at home.

Growing up, she watched her father work in construction, remodeling and renovation through his own business. Before long, she was helping alongside him.

“I’ve watched and worked with my dad in his business,” she said. “He’s my biggest inspiration.”

While those early experiences sparked her interest, her father encouraged her to build on that foundation through education. Through Career & College Promise classes at CCC, Veliz enrolled in electrical courses and quickly discovered she had found something she truly enjoyed.

“Once I started taking electrical classes, I knew this is what I wanted to do as a career,” she said.

Today, the academy is helping her turn that interest into expertise.

She especially enjoys the variety the field offers.

“I love being able to get into a bunch of different things,” Veliz said. “I really enjoy learning how to read blueprints and getting into the residential side—learning how to wire and figuring out the safest and easiest ways to do things.”

The program introduces students to residential wiring, electrical systems and industry-recognized skills while providing a glimpse into the many career opportunities available in the electrical trade.

Like many students stepping into something new, Veliz admits she felt nervous about applying.

“I was nervous because my grades weren’t great,” she said. “But I know hands-on learning is what works best for me, and this was an opportunity I didn’t want to miss.”

Taking that leap has opened doors she never imagined. During a recent visit to the academy, Governor Josh Stein met with students and learned firsthand how programs like Careers Electric are helping prepare North Carolina’s next generation of skilled workers.

As for Veliz, she already knows what’s next.

This fall, she’ll continue taking classes at CCC while finishing her senior year at Shelby High School. After graduation, she plans to earn an Associate in Applied Science degree in Electrical Systems Technology, obtain her electrician’s license and continue building her future in the field she loves.

Her ultimate goal brings everything full circle.

“I want to help expand my dad’s business, and when he’s ready to retire, take over,” she said. “It’s really cool to be able to work with him in the meantime.”

Along the way, local industry partners have helped enrich the academy experience. Students have toured Duke Energy’s training facility and Greenheck Group’s TAP plant, explored career opportunities with Day & Zimmermann, heard from Fountain Electric professionals and connected with organizations such as NCWorks, the State Employees Credit Union and the NC Board of Electrical Contractors.

For Veliz, those experiences have reinforced what she already suspected when she first signed up for the academy: she’s found the path she wants to follow.

And thanks to the opportunities available through Cleveland Community College, she’s already well on her way.