Derrick Mitchell, a rising junior at Colonel Richardson High School, recently signed a Youth Apprenticeship contract with Eric Smith, owner of Adex Electrical LLC in Federalsburg, Maryland.
To finalize the apprenticeship agreement, a signing ceremony was held at Adex Electrical. Derrick, his parents Amy and Eric Smith, CRHS Principal Jared Sherman, Caroline County Public Schools (CCPS) Director of College and Career Readiness Lindsey McCormick, CCPS Coordinator of Career Readiness Eric Cook, Maryland State Department of Education Coordinator of Apprenticeships Pamela Clay, and Department of Labor Apprenticeship Navigator Jacqueline Trieu were all in attendance.
Mr. Smith shared that he plays a dual role in the agreement as both business owner and Derrick’s father. “I am really excited to be a part of this opportunity on both sides,” he said. Mr. Smith also noted that over the past 30 years, there has been more of a focus on college attendance rather than preparing students for the trades. “With a nationwide shortage of tradespeople, schools getting kids interested early and promoting the trades is exactly what’s needed.”
“Today's signing marks a significant step forward in bridging the gap between education and the workforce,” Ms. McCormick said. She noted that apprenticeship opportunities provide invaluable hands-on experience, allowing students to develop critical skills and gain a competitive edge in their future careers. “By partnering with local businesses, we are not only enhancing the educational opportunities for our students but also contributing to the economic growth and sustainability of our community,” she added.
More information about the Youth Apprenticeship Program may be found on the Caroline County Public Schools website. Local businesses interested in partnering with Youth Apprenticeship or students interested in the program should contact Eric Cook, cook.eric@ccpsstaff.org.
All event photos may be viewed on the Caroline Flickr page.