Tyler Gross, a rising senior at Colonel Richardson High School, recently signed a welding apprenticeship agreement with Crystal Steel, a nationally recognized structural steel fabricator headquartered in Federalsburg, Maryland.
The signing took place at Crystal Steel’s Federalsburg plant, where Tyler will complete his on-the-job training while earning dual enrollment credit through Chesapeake College. As part of the apprenticeship, Tyler will be paired with an experienced mentor, receive hands-on training in welding, and be paid while building valuable industry skills. He will also complete related instruction that connects academic learning with his work in the field.
In attendance were Tyler’s mother, Erin Willis, and Crystal Steel Plant Manager Jeff Keith, Office/HR Manager Alana Gassaway, and Vice President of Operations Mike Mishler. Attending from Caroline County Public Schools was Director of College and Career Readiness Lindsey McCormick, Colonel Richardson High School Principal Jared Sherman, and Coordinator of Career Readiness Eric Cook. Maryland Department of Labor Apprenticeship Navigator Jacqueline Trieu and Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board Blueprint Coordinator and Career Navigator Shirley Lake also attended.
Mr. Keith emphasized the importance of investing in young talent, saying, “It is important for us to invest in local youth. We noticed a skills gap and realized the need to invest in young talent and train them in a profession where they can earn a good living.” Though Keith was unable to attend Tyler’s interview, he related that the plant supervisor called me as soon the interview concluded and said, “We’ve found our guy.”
“I have wanted to do something like this my whole life,” stated Tyler, who has long dreamed of working in the trades. “I am grateful for the opportunity.”
Youth Apprenticeships are designed to give high school students real-world experience in high-skill, high-demand industries. Students are placed with an employer, trained on-site under the guidance of a mentor, and supported through related classroom instruction.
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.