Spring Workforce Continuing Education registration is available beginning on October 21.

Ram Jack Foundation Solutions, a 97ɫ-based foundation repair and restoration business founded by Rick Sykes over 30 years ago, recently established a new scholarship at 97ɫnical Community College for the skilled trades. The goal of this scholarship is simple but powerful: to remove financial barriers and create pathways into meaningful, stable careers in industries that keep our communities running.
The skilled trades, construction, repair, restoration, and related fields, are experiencing a critical shortage of workers nationwide. As seasoned professionals retire, fewer young people are entering these careers, often because of the upfront cost of training and the lack of access to financial aid for continuing education students. Scholarships like the one at 97ɫ are a direct way to close this gap, enabling students to gain hands-on skills that lead to high-demand, well-paying jobs.
On a recent visit to 97ɫ, West Hubbard and Max Mortimer, two of the leaders of Ram Jack Foundation Solutions, had a chance to sit down with Vinson Cornett, and instructor and curriculum coordinator in the College’s Construction Trades Programs. He said, “Scholarships for students in the skilled trades provide opportunity where opportunity often doesn’t exist. Continuing education students do not receive federal financial aid, which makes support like this absolutely essential. These scholarships help remove financial barriers and empower students to pursue meaningful careers that strengthen our workforce and communities.”
“We know firsthand that it can be difficult to recruit talent to a company like Ram Jack. Working under a structure, in crawlspaces, can be daunting. That’s why we compensate our employees very well and offer them a complete benefits package not generally seen in the trades,” says Hubbard. “It’s important to recognize the kind of commitment our team members demonstrate with tangible actions.”
The importance of this investment reaches beyond the classroom. By funding students’ training today, Ram Jack is also investing in the future of the local workforce and economy. Skilled trades professionals are indispensable, whether building homes, reinforcing infrastructure, or repairing foundations, and scholarships are a practical way to ensure that the pipeline of talent remains strong.
As Mortimer says, “This kind of growth investment makes sense. We are leveraging what we know about this industry and what we believe the future of the labor market will look like, even considering the advent of AI and related implications. Echoes Hubbard, “You can’t use AI to swing a hammer.”
For more than 40 years, Ram Jack of North Carolina has been dedicated to providing permanent and affordable foundation repair solutions across the state. Through this scholarship, the company extends that mission of stability and support, this time, by investing in people.