U.S. Education Secretary Visits Brady HVAC Lab at Wake Tech

National Recognition for Local Workforce Development Efforts

Brady Services is proud to have its unwavering commitment to workforce development recognized on the national stage during a recent event with U.S. Education Secretary, Linda McMahon. The event highlighted the transformative impact of youth apprenticeship programs like NCTAP and the critical role of partners such as Wake Technical Community College in building a more skilled, future-ready workforce.

During the event, attendees engaged in a dynamic conversation with Secretary McMahon, emphasizing the promise of youth apprenticeship as a powerful pathway from education to career. These innovative programs provide students with opportunities to earn debt-free degrees, gain valuable hands-on experience, and develop the skills needed to thrive in high-demand industries.

Apprenticeship Success Stories: A Personal Impact

A standout moment came when Matthew Robinson, Brady Services’ first NCTAP apprentice, shared his personal journey. His story powerfully illustrated the real-world impact of apprenticeship programs and how they can change the trajectory of a young person’s life.

Model Partnership with Wake Tech

Jimmy Freeman of Wake Tech Community College also spoke to the strength of the company’s partnership with Brady, citing it as a model for aligning educational opportunities with workforce needs. A prime example is the Trane® Mitsubishi Electric VRF Training Lab — the first of its kind at a U.S. community college — which was donated by Brady Services. This state-of-the-art facility provides students with hands-on training in advanced HVAC technologies.

Brady Services proudly partners with NCTAP, ApprenticeshipNC, the North Carolina Community College System, Wake Technical Community College, and Wake Tech Apprenticeship to expand education-to-career pathways across the region. Together, these efforts are helping to close opportunity and talent gaps, driving both economic mobility and business growth.

Youth apprenticeships like NCTAP are more than just workforce strategies — they are roadmaps to economic empowerment. We’re honored to be part of a movement that is creating lasting impact for students, employers, and communities.

Missy Akin

Director of Workforce Partnerships, Brady

Photography taken by Wake Technical Community College