Dataseam Apprentices receive new work laptops. Pictured are Digital Learning Coach Tex Issac, Dataseam Apprentice Caiden Yonts, Dataseam Apprentice Ashley Moore, Superintendent Damian Johnson
Jenkins Independent School now has two additional members on its Technology Department through a unique workforce training program sponsored by district partner Dataseam.
JMHS juniors Caiden Yonts and Ashley Moore were recently selected to participate in a US Department of Labor-approved Registered Apprenticeship for Information Technology through Dataseam. This two-year program provides on-job training, coursework, paid employment, and hands-on experience supporting Jenkins’ diverse technology environment. Upon completion, participants have acquired the technology skills relevant to high-demand workforce sectors without the potential of college debt. Participants also are provided Apple MacBook Pros via Dataseam as part of their “Apprentice Toolbox” to meet district work demands. When they finish the Apprenticeship, they earn these to carry into their next job or training opportunity.
Dataseam is a Louisville-based education and workforce development organization and provides instructional technology for students and staff to help develop the next generation of K-12 IT professionals, currently in 52 public K-12 districts statewide. Funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Kentucky General Assembly, the Registered Apprenticeship program is available to participating Dataseam districts.
Yonts and Moore join senior cohort members Jasmine Caudill and Matthew Morris as part of the school’s technology workforce. When asked about the Registered Apprenticeship, Jenkins Superintendent Damian Johnson stated, “This is our third cohort of Dataseam apprentices, and they have all been wonderful. Our job as educators is to expose students to real-world opportunities and prepare them to take advantage of those. We’ve been able to do that while both supporting our school’s technology implementation and earning workstations. It’s a win-win for all involved.”
The apprentices work directly with Digital Learning Coach Tex Issac and District Technology Coordinator Rick Warf. “The apprentices are learning technical skills enabling them to provide support services to our students and staff,” stated Mr. Warf. “They are learning to lead others by being positive role models, acquiring skills helping them continue to be successful and productive citizens throughout their lives.”
See the article from The Letcher County News-Press HERE.
