For many, the path from education to employment follows a familiar sequence: enroll, study, graduate, then begin a career. But across our region, that timeline is shifting. At Cape Fear Community College, students are not waiting until graduation to enter the workforce; they are building careers while still in the classroom.

Nicholas Keniston's story is a clear example of this transformation in action.

After serving eight years in the Marine Corps, Keniston returned to civilian life and began exploring different career paths. It wasn't until he enrolled in CFCC's Construction Management program that he found the direction and the opportunity he was looking for. What makes his story notable is not just the career he chose, but how quickly he was able to grow within it.

During his second semester, Keniston connected with a local construction firm through CFCC's job network. He started in a support role, assisting with project coordination and day-to-day operations while continuing his coursework. In many traditional models, this would be considered an internship or temporary experience. In this case, it became the foundation of a full-fledged career.

Within a short period of time, Keniston advanced through multiple roles, taking on increasing responsibility. Before completing his degree, he was managing significant construction projects, one of which he led to completion ahead of schedule. When he graduates this month, he will not be entering the workforce, he will already be an established professional contributing to the region's growth.

His experience highlights a broader shift in how Cape Fear Community College prepares students. Programs are designed with direct input from industry, ensuring that what students learn in the classroom aligns with real-world demands. Faculty bring practical experience into their teaching, and students are encouraged, often expected, to apply their skills in professional settings long before graduation.

For regional businesses and industry, this model offers a powerful advantage. Instead of waiting for graduates to become job-ready, employers can engage with students early on, helping shape their development while benefiting from their contributions. This reduces training time, strengthens retention, and creates a more reliable pipeline of skilled workers.

Keniston's impact has extended beyond his own career. As he has grown within his company, he has helped open doors for other CFCC students, creating additional opportunities and strengthening the partnership between the college and local industry. This kind of collaboration demonstrates how workforce development can move beyond theory and become a practical, ongoing exchange between education and business.

What stands out most is not just the speed of Keniston's success, but the structure that made it possible. His ambition and work ethic played an important role and CFCC provided an environment designed to connect learning with doing. The result is a graduate who is not simply prepared for a career, but already advancing in one.

Stories like this challenge long-held assumptions about education and employment. They suggest that "career-ready" is not a milestone reached after graduation, but a process that can begin much earlier when the right systems are in place.

As our region continues to grow, the need for skilled, adaptable talent will only increase. Cape Fear Community College is meeting that need by rethinking the pathway from classroom to career by developing more apprenticeship opportunities, internships and part-time work through our Career Services. Nicholas Keniston's journey is more than just a powerful success story, it's a reflection of what is possible when education and industry move forward together.