Student Spotlight: Joshua Addis

Joshua Addis will graduate from Cape Fear Community College’s Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology program at the end of the summer. He currently holds an apprenticeship with Port City Collision, where he plans to work full-time after graduation. He was recently awarded a scholarship from the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF), acknowledging his hard work and recognizing his potential in the field.

CFCC’s Program Director of Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology, Ed Hernandez, speaks highly of him.

“Josh is a great guy and very kind. He has a magnetic personality and is just fun to be around and talk to. In addition to being a full-time student, he works two other jobs and takes care of his grandmother. He’s a special kind of guy.”

WHERE ARE YOU FROM ORIGINALLY?

I am originally from Wilmington, where I was born and raised.

WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO PURSUE THIS CAREER PATH?

I’ve always liked cars. Initially, I wanted to go into the mechanical side. A couple of my buddies had gone through the collision program and told me about Ed Hernandez, an awesome instructor. So, I decided to go this route.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER GRADUATION?

I am graduating from the program this summer. I currently work at Port City Collision as an apprentice, and as soon as I graduate, they’ll take me on full-time.

TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR APPRENTICESHIP EXPERIENCE.

I started my apprenticeship last October. I was in class, and Ed mentioned a great opportunity at Port City Collision. I jumped on it. Having the apprenticeship helps when you can go straight from the classroom to work, so you’re already in the same mindset. You also just make great connections.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE CONSIDERING STUDYING THIS PROGRAM AT CFCC?

I would tell them that it’s a great career path. No matter what happens, cars will always get damaged by something. It gives you good job security. No matter what, you always have somewhere to go.