Building Futures: Apprenticeships That Work

Student to Studio: Jordi Barradas and Northeast State’s Entertainment Technology Program

In this season finale of The Sound Bearier, co-hosts Thomas Wilson and Mackenzie Moore-Gent turn the microphone toward someone usually behind the scenes: sound technician and Northeast State alumnus Jordi Barradas. A graduate of the College’s Entertainment Technology program, Jordi shares how his time at Northeast State helped shape his path from student to staff member and how hands-on learning prepared him for a career in audio production and media. The group also discusses the evolving world of entertainment technology and the importance of creative collaboration. Thank you to Jordi for everything he does behind the scenes to make The Sound Bearier possible and for sharing his own Northeast State story with us for the season finale. #TheSoundBearier #NortheastState #EntertainmentTechnology #HereToGetYouThere #WereJustGettingStarted

Called to Care: Inside Northeast State's EMT, Paramedic programs

No two paths in emergency medical services are exactly alike, but they're all united by one goal: helping others. In this episode of The Sound Bearier, co-hosts Thomas Wilson and Mackenzie Moore-Gent sit down with Northeast State Community College Paramedic instructor Nicholas Santiago and student Chelsea Harris to discuss their journeys through emergency medical services. Both Nicholas and Chelsea completed Northeast State’s EMT program 14 years ago. Today, Chelsea continues serving patients as she works toward furthering her education in the field, while Nicholas returned to the classroom to help train the next generation of EMT, AEMT and paramedic professionals. The group reflects on the realities of working in emergency services, the challenges and rewards of the profession and how Northeast State helped shape their paths. Thank you to Nicholas and Chelsea for sharing their experiences and for the work they do to care for others in moments that matter most. Listen to The Sound Bearier on your favorite streaming services. #TheSoundBearier #Paramedic #EMT #AEMT #HereToGetYouThere #WereJustGettingStarted

Building Futures: Apprenticeships That Work

What does an apprenticeship look like in 2026, and why are more students and employers turning to them as a pathway to success? On this episode of The Sound Bearier, co-hosts Thomas Wilson and Mackenzie Moore-Gent sit down with Northeast State Community College Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development Holly Free-Ollard and Director of Apprenticeships Dawn Carter to explore how apprenticeships are changing lives across the region. From hands-on training and paid work experience to partnerships with local industries, the conversation dives into how Northeast State is helping students gain real-world skills while meeting workforce needs throughout the Tri-Cities. Whether you're a student exploring career options or an employer looking to invest in the future workforce, this episode highlights the impact and opportunity behind apprenticeship programs at Northeast State. #NortheastState #TheSoundBearier #Apprenticeships #WorkforceDevelopment #HereToGetYouThere #WereJustGettingStarted

60 Years of Growth: A Conversation With Northeast State's First Instructor

In 1966, Northeast State Community College looked very different. The College was known as Tri-Cities Area Vocational-Technical School, classes were just beginning and the foundation for the institution we know today was only starting to take shape. In this episode of The Sound Bearier, co-hosts Thomas Wilson and Mackenzie Moore-Gent sit down with Tom Jarrell — Northeast State’s very first instructor. Jarrell reflects on the College’s earliest days, the evolution of its programs and students and what it has been like watching Northeast State grow over the past 60 years. As the College celebrates its 60th anniversary, this conversation offers a firsthand look at the people and moments that helped shape its history. #TheSoundBearier #NortheastState #WereJustGettingStarted #Since1966 #HereToGetYouThere

60 Years, One Vision at Northeast State

In this special episode of The Sound Bearier, co-hosts Thomas Wilson and Mackenzie Moore-Gent sit down with Northeast State President Dr. Jeff McCord to reflect on the College’s 60th anniversary. From its earliest days to the momentum building across campus today, Dr. McCord shares insight into how Northeast State has grown, adapted and stayed true to its mission of connecting people to prosperity. The conversation explores where the College is now—and where it’s headed next—as it continues serving students, strengthening partnerships and shaping the future of our region. Sixty years in, and we’re just getting started.