Dalton Hay’s Next Chapter: From GED to Career Success

Posted on Sep 15, 2025 at 1:53 PM

At just 20 years old, Dalton Hay is already demonstrating the power of hard work and determination. Earlier this year, Dalton earned his GED through Central Alabama Community College (CACC) at the Sylacauga Alliance for Family Enhancement (SAFE). For him, it wasn’t the end of his education; it was only the beginning.

Soon after, Dalton enrolled in CACC’s Skills for Success Fiber Optics Training program. The short-term course gave him more than just technical knowledge. It gave him confidence, momentum, and a sense of direction. 

“The program taught me skills that I use every day on the job,” Dalton said. “It gave me the chance to get started in a career I’m excited about, and it showed me that I can keep pushing myself further.” 

Those skills paid off quickly. Dalton is now working with Southern Electrical Contractors in Sylacauga, applying what he learned in the classroom to real projects that matter. 

For Michael Barnette, Dean of Workforce and Economic Development Programs at CACC, Dalton’s journey is exactly why the college invests in workforce training. 

“Dalton represents exactly what these programs are designed to achieve,” Barnette said. “Through education and training, we are providing students with tangible skills that translate directly into employment opportunities. Dalton’s success is a clear example of how determination, combined with high-quality workforce programs, leads to meaningful career outcomes.” 

Even as he begins this new chapter in the workforce, Dalton isn’t finished with school. He has already enrolled in CACC’s High School Diploma Option (HSDO) program to earn his Sylacauga High School Diploma, and he’s considering further study in engineering or electrical fields. 

Dalton’s story is one of perseverance and possibility. From earning his GED to building a foundation in fiber optics and stepping confidently into a career, he has demonstrated how education can open doors and change lives. And for CACC, it’s another reminder of the college’s mission: helping students of all ages and backgrounds find their own success. 

  • Categories:
  • Academics
  • Adult Education
  • Press Release
  • Workforce Development
  • Workforce Education
  • Tags:

Media Contact