Kyren Hawkins, a senior at North Caroline High School (NCHS) recently signed a Youth Apprenticeship contract with Justin Smith, President of Midshore Technology Services (MTS) in Denton, Maryland.
Kyren is currently enrolled in Cybersecurity, the final course in the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Computer Science Program of Study with teacher Chrissie Yoxall. The apprenticeship will expand on Kyren’s current knowledge and provide on-the-job training in the business world.
To finalize the apprenticeship agreement, a signing ceremony was held at Midshore Technology Services with Kyren, his parents Mr. and Ms. Leager, Coordinator of Career Readiness Eric Cook, and Midshore President Justin Smith. Also in attendance were family members Bob Burns, grandfather, and Michelle Hawkins, aunt, and MTS staff Russell Sinclair and Sarah Smith. District and school representatives Director of College and Career Readiness Lindsey McCormick, NCHS Principal Matt Spiker, Career Coach Rob Gowen, NCHS Counselor Michael Firch, and Work Based Learning Navigator Myasia Jones attended. In addition, Jacqueline Trieu from the Maryland Department of Labor, Jennifer Griffin from the Maryland Department of Education, and Kendall Teague and Robert Zimberoff with Caroline Economic Development were there to show their support.
On behalf of the school system, Mr. Cook expressed appreciation for the company’s continued support of the program and willingness to train and mentor students in the careers they wish to pursue. He noted this is the second Youth Apprenticeship agreement entered into by Midshore Technology Service, with the first occurring in 2021 with North Caroline High School senior Christopher Ireland. Christopher graduated in June 2023 and, as Mr. Cook noted, will be serving as Kyren’s mentor at MTS. “This is a great example of the power of Apprenticeship and developing a company’s workforce,” Mr. Cook said.
Midshore Technology Services provides professional IT support and technology managed services for businesses, performing proactive maintenance, monitoring, and backups, which are essential to maintaining an efficient, safe, and resilient IT environment.
For rising juniors or seniors who are interested in youth apprenticeship, or for general information about the Youth Apprenticeship Program, visit the CCPS Youth Apprenticeship page. Local businesses interested in partnering to develop their future workforce should contact Eric Cook, cook.eric@ccpsstaff.org.
All event photos may be viewed on the Caroline Flickr page.