Brendan, NASCAR and Equus

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David, Executive Director, Centralina Workforce Development Board, sees Brendan’s story as an example of why the apprenticeship program works so well at helping people find their vocation.

“Brendan is a great example of a young person who did not have direction but found their passion in motorsports and had opportunity through apprenticeship and on-the-job training.”

Brendan wasn’t sure of the career path ahead of him, and at first, didn’t even realise pit-crew member could even be a future vocation.

“I never saw it as a career path for me, until Phil reached out with the NC Works apprenticeship opportunity.”

Phil, Apprenticeship Director, Trackhouse, could also tell Brendan was the right candidate for the program.

“Brendan is the epitome of what we're looking for in this program, from a personality standpoint and a skill set. All the stars aligned on that front.”

Brendan knew there were many people on his side, making sure he was on the right path.

“NC Works help me tremendously. There's a lot of good people in the building and it's hard to get your foot in the door. They helped get me started and they were there every step.”

Phil also sees Brendan’s journey as a sign of why the apprenticeship program is so important.

“There are a lot of hard workers out there that just need a need a foot in the door. And a program like this is what gives them that capability. Any kind of company can have an apprenticeship program, and I think establishing a program like this is a good stepping stone, not just for evaluating talent but for giving people opportunities that they may not have thought about otherwise.”

Brendan’s enthusiasm about his career path and future is unquestionable.

“NC Works has definitely helped me find a passion for racing that I wouldn't have even known about. To think that there was this whole career and career path out there that I really didn't know much about, to now, it's what I do every day. I work for and strive for it this. I love it. I got the bug for sure.”