Changing Lives: Brendan’s Story
As a young adult Brendan was struggling to find the right track on his career path. Through a powerful partnership, Brendan discovered the pit crew pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship program at Trackhouse Racing in Concord, North Carolina.
Brendan dropped out of community college with a desire to create a fresh start. His previous work history included fast food, landscaping and HVAC. Brendan had no experience as a mechanic or with a race car pit crew. Brendan connected with the NCWorks Centralina NEXTGEN team who introduced him to the pre-apprenticeship program at Trackhouse Racing. Trackhouse Racing Director of Apprenticeship Phil Foster, ApprenticeshipNC Consultant Sylvia Jones and NEXTGEN Program Leader Monica Gramling worked together to enroll Brendan in NEXTGEN WIOA Youth Services and start his journey as a pre-apprentice.
The NEXTGEN team provided Brendan with work experience assistance, offering a source of income and continual support as he worked to complete the pre-apprenticeship program. Brendan successfully completed the pre-apprenticeship/work experience program in April 2022 which led to full-time employment with Trackhouse Racing. He then transitioned to Trackhouse’s two-year apprenticeship program. “NCWorks has definitely helped me find a passion for racing that I wouldn’t have even known about,” Brendan shared.
His success continued when Brendan worked as an over-the-wall pit crew member for the winning team at NASCAR’s first-ever Cup Series Street Race in Chicago in July 2023! Brendan’s story is a testament to the possibilities that arise when opportunity meets determination, and teamwork drives success.
This impact was achieved through partnership between the Centralina Workforce Development Board, NCWorks Centralina NEXTGEN Youth Program, ApprenticeshipNC, Trackhouse Racing and Equus Workforce Solutions.