[Clinton, N.C.] – Yazmine Hayes is a recent graduate of Sampson Community College’s (SCC) Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) program, which began enrolling students in Fall 2023. Graduating in December 2024, then immediately joining the workforce, Hayes became the second female to earn the certification at SCC– helping pave the path for other women in trades.
In 2013, Hayes enrolled for the first time at SCC in pursuit of her GED degree. A decade later, she returned to earn her manicurist certification, but decided to change career paths halfway through. With the help of advisors, and study on her part, Hayes switched to SCC’s HEO program instead– where she ultimately found her true calling.
She explained, “In 2024, I made a decision to change career paths. I did my research and decided to take on Heavy Equipment, something that was totally different for me. I was nervous but also excited and determined. I entered this field because it’s so special to see a project from the start to finish, coming back years later to tell the story of something you were a part of.”
Upon graduating from SCC’s HEO program in 2024, becoming the second female to do so, Hayes found a position at Enviva in Faison, NC immediately. She currently works as a Mobile Heavy Equipment Operator on the premises, where she continues to thrive because of her SCC education.
Despite initially enrolling in a male-dominated field, Hayes was determined to persevere and shatter stereotypes surrounding women in trades– receiving encouragement from Amanda Bradshaw, Vice President of Workforce Development & Continuing Education, and Katelyn O’Neal, WD&CE Support Specialist, specifically.
Hayes shared, “Ms. Amanda and Katelyn gave that girl power and let me know every time they saw me how proud they were of me for even considering the new career path. Katelyn signed me up for the class and helped me with tuitions assistance. She is where it all started! Thank you my friend!”
Hayes also expressed her gratitude to Ashley Grimes & and Kendric Faison, Heavy Equipment Instructors, in addition to her family and best friend. She mentioned that her instructors showed great patience and communicative skills when it came to learning new lessons and tasks, while her loved ones supported her throughout each step of her career switch.
She recalled, “My instructors were very patient with me and thoroughly explained the lessons to me when I did not grasp it the first time. They also set the tone for the class that were all males to give me an extra hand when needed.”
“I would also like to thank my sister Allison, my niece Chelsey, and best friend DaBrandon. When I told them what I was planning on doing and the career path I was choosing they were definitely on board with it. Never tried to discourage me because of being a male dominated field. They told me to go for it and be the best at it.”
In the future, Hayes plans to return to school to earn a degree in construction management technology. She hopes to become a safety manager, ensuring that employees in the infrastructure industry can work within safe environments while completing the job they love.
Bradshaw said, “Ms. Hayes has been a pleasure to get to know and an inspiration to watch as she grew throughout the course. Her courage and determination were evident as she overcame initial fears of operating equipment, finding success through hard work and resilience. Without seeking special treatment, she proved her capability alongside her male counterparts. Ms. Hayes is a trailblazer, paving the way for others and showing that determination knows no boundaries.”
Looking back, Hayes voiced that she would highly recommend SCC to other individuals looking to further their education, especially women interested in trades. Not only is it local and affordable, she shared, but the faculty and staff truly stand by their motto to help students ‘Begin Here, Go Anywhere.’
Hayes closed, “SCC is the community college of my hometown and the employer of a few of my childhood friends. It made so much sense to keep my education right at home. As soon as you walk through the doors you are greeted with smiles and warm hearts. All you have to do is come with determined mind knowing that you want to better your future.”
Sampson CC is proud of Yazmine. The College offers their congratulations on her recent graduation and success within the HEO program. SCC looks forward to seeing all she will do within the trade field and how she will continue to inspire others.
For more information about the Heavy Equipment Operator program, visit http://www.sampsoncc.edu/heo.
About Sampson Community College: Sampson Community College is a member of the North Carolina Community College System, located in Clinton, NC in Sampson County. The college offers many programs to include two-year degrees, college transfer, continuing education and workforce development options and early college education. SCC is committed to the principles of equal educational and employment opportunities for all.
