Port City Collision’s Investment in CFCC Students

Since 2022, Port City Collision has partnered with CFCC’s Collision, Repair, and Refinishing Technology program to train, mentor, and hire students as they work toward their degrees. Shop owner Bryan Harrell and CFCC program director Ed Hernandez have built their relationship on trust and open communication.

“I’ve got Ed’s cell number,” said Bryan. “If something’s going on, we talk about it. The students know we’re in this together.”

Ground Zero for Success

The partnership took off with two CFCC students, Jordan Floyd and Jackson Carnelley. After graduating in 2022, both accepted full-time positions with the company. Since then, they completed hours of advanced, role-specific training to earn I-CAR Platinum certification, a nationally recognized industry credential.

“Jordan and Jackson are ground zero for this partnership,” Bryan said. “They worked hard, got their certifications, and now they’re the reason many CFCC students want to come here.”

Now more than employees, Jordan and Jackson have become role models. During a lunch and learn event hosted at the shop last year, they shared their stories with current CFCC students.

“We had CFCC instructors and students walking through the shop, our techs talking to them. At the end, we lined up all of our guys and told the students to ask them anything,” Bryan said. “They were supposed to be here for an hour. They stayed for two and a half.”

From Students to Mentors

Among the team answering questions that day was Joshua Addis, a 2024 graduate who began working part time at Port City Collision while completing his degree. In 2023, he received the Carolina’s Collision Association Tool Grant Award, recognizing his potential in the industry. He transitioned to a full-time role shortly before the lunch and learn. Now working toward his own I-CAR Platinum designation, Joshua credits both the college and the shop for his growth.

“CFCC gave me a great foundation,” Joshua said. “And here, there has been constant growth. I feel like I’m driven to do better and always pushed in the right direction. The collaboration is amazing.”

Apprenticeship with a Purpose

Every student starts in the parts department at Port City Collision to learn the foundational skills of the shop’s workflow. CFCC alum Kyle Malkin is a vital part of that team, training new hires like fellow alum Jaxx Hillman on how to check in, inventory, and mirror match parts for accuracy before moving on to the next step in the shop’s production process.

“At the end of the day, it all comes down to the fundamentals,” Bryan said. “What students learn at Cape Fear Community College, they will continue to build upon in the shop.”

For Bryan, an apprenticeship isn’t just about filling positions. It’s about long-term investment in people. And that starts with holding students accountable and clear expectations.

“If you finish your degree at Cape Fear Community College, you will have a permanent position with us. It’s that simple,” he said. “But if someone quits school, they lose the job. It’s about responsibility. We want to give them something they can carry anywhere they go.”