Christopher Ireland, an 11th grade student at North Caroline High School in Caroline County, recently enrolled as the county’s first Youth Apprenticeship recipient.
Ireland signed an apprenticeship contract with MidShore Technology Services (MTS), a company founded by a 2005 North Caroline High School graduate.
The Caroline Career & Technology Center (CCTC) prepares students to be college and career-ready via career and technical education. It offers 16 different programs, including the new Apprenticeship program that provides students with the opportunity to learn skills in a paid, mentored job setting. Many of the courses are also available to students as electives, providing them the opportunity to explore different career interests.
CCTC Principal Courtney Handte was present at the signing ceremony and offered congratulations to Ireland and the county. “Youth apprenticeships are a great way for high school students to gain real-world experience and explore career paths while earning a paycheck,” Handte said. “It is vital that we expose young people to the workforce, and we appreciate MidShore Technology Services stepping up to provide the first Youth Apprenticeship opportunity.”
Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Tiffany P. Robinson also offered well wishes for Ireland and the program:
Congratulations to Caroline County Public Schools for registering their very first youth apprentice, Chris Ireland. As our state’s youth apprenticeship program continues to grow, I am certain that this will be the first of many youth apprentices successfully earning and learning in Caroline County.
For more information about the Youth Apprenticeship Program, visit the Caroline Career & Technology Center website. Additionally, local businesses interested in partnering with Youth Apprenticeship or students interested in the program should contact Eric Cook, cook.eric@ccpsstaff.org.
