At 18 years old, Cody Smith accomplished his first career goal – to be accepted into the Union Brotherhood of Carpenters, Local 255, and pursue an apprenticeship. Now he is fully engaged and enjoying the apprenticeship. He credits his education at Cumberland County Technical Education Center (CCTEC) for helping him get the head start needed to achieve career success at such a young age.
Smith, of Vineland, attended the Construction Trades program at CCTEC and graduated in 2023. He furthered his education at Rowan College of South Jersey, where he earned a Liberal Arts degree before entering the union to pursue the apprenticeship.
“My education at the CCTEC provided me with a solid foundation for my career by offering me hands-on experience and practical skills related to my field of work,” said Smith. “The specialized curriculum allowed me to focus on the skills relevant to my field, such as the importance of deadlines and the ability to think ‘on the fly’ when a job is not going as planned.”
Smith said CCTEC’s focus on real-world applications and problem-solving prepared him to handle challenges confidently and adapt to work environments. His education also helped him earn the opportunity to work a job at the Salem Nuclear Power Plant.
“Due to its critical role and its high-stress work environment, the Salem Nuclear Power Plant is a difficult place to get employed,” said Smith. “I believe the education and experience I received at CCTEC gave me the skillset to get this job and into the carpentry union, and to succeed and thrive in the field.”
