Bill Christopher Speaks During Meeting

(WBOC).

CAMBRIDGE, MD - In a collaborative effort to bridge the gap between education and career readiness, Dorchester County Public Schools and the Chamber of Commerce hosted a meeting Friday to encourage local businesses to open their doors to students for job placements, internships, and apprenticeships. The initiative aims to provide students with practical experience while simultaneously meeting the workforce needs of the local business community.

The apprenticeship program, an integral part of the Maryland Blueprint for Education, was initiated six years ago, according to Bill Christopher from the Dorchester Chamber of Commerce. However, the program faced a setback due to the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a decline in business interest. To revitalize the program, Friday's meeting was structured as a Lunch and Learn session, strategically designed to reignite business engagement and interest.

Bill Christopher emphasized the significance of the apprenticeship program during today's meeting. "It actually takes students and gets them a regular job with full compensation, benefits, and the status of being an employee at the company. They are assigned a mentor at the company as well as a mentor at the schools," Christopher explained.

The program is open to any business within the county, provided the opportunity aligns with the students' educational focus. Kinley Elliott, who participated in the program while studying business in high school and worked at the Chamber of Commerce, shared her perspective. "There's a bit of a gap in the college and career readiness. They really push college readiness, but college isn't necessarily the end goal. A successful career is the end goal," Elliott noted. "It was really important for me to get into a professional environment and learn those skills."

Newcomer to the program, Johnson's Cleaning Services, expressed optimism about the impact on student preparedness for the real world. Kaylee Hurley, Business Operations Specialist at Johnson's Cleaning Services, stated, "Whether it is with us or not, learning to deal with situations, time management, dealing with the public – all that can be taken from this job and used in real-world situations later on."

Students participating in the program are required to complete 450 hours within the company, providing a substantial and immersive experience. Additionally, the program recently announced the introduction of three new career coaches within high schools to assist students in planning and finding the right company to align with their career goals.

The collaborative effort between public schools, the Chamber of Commerce, and local businesses underscores a commitment to preparing students for a successful transition from education to the workforce. Through mentorship, practical experience, and career coaching, the program seeks to empower students with the skills and knowledge needed for a prosperous future, breathing new life into the Maryland Blueprint for Education.

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