August 27th, 2019 by WCBC Radio

Allegany County Government is pleased to announce Allegany High School senior Kendal Johnson as the county’s first youth apprentice. Ms. Johnson, and other students in the area, are being introduced to the world of work during the 2019-2020 school year through participation in the Apprenticeship Maryland youth apprenticeship program.

In May, Allegany County became one of a growing number of counties participating in the Apprenticeship Maryland program, which was established by the Hogan Administration to utilize the time-tested apprenticeship model in connecting high school students with career opportunities.   

“Allegany County Government is thrilled to be one of the first employers for the Apprenticeship Maryland Program in our school system,” said Allegany County Administrator Brandon Butler. “I am also pleased to see other pioneering local businesses who recognize that youth apprenticeship is a valuable tool for them to recruit their future workforce.”

Kendal will be working to create content for the county’s social media pages using her skills in writing, graphic design, photography, and more. Growing up in Allegany County, Kendal is excited to have the chance to use her creativity to promote the county she calls home.

“Media is a field that I have always envisioned myself in, but did not think that I would be able to gain real-life work experience at only seventeen,” said Ms. Johnson. “I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity that Allegany County Government is offering, and I am eager to start my career in this field.”

Kendal is also active in Allegany High School’s Drama Club as the club’s photographer, a member of the choir, a member of the journalism staff, and a member of her school’s Historical Research Methods class. Upon completion of her high school studies, Kendal plans to attend college and complete degrees in Film/Media Studies and Political Science.

Additional high school seniors from Allegany County Public Schools will be joining Carter Hospitality Group of Frostburg and Willets Tech of Cumberland in the next few days. Weimer Automotive has also been approved as an eligible employer to participate in the program. Additional businesses are also working through the state’s process to join the program.

The recently released Economic Development Strategic Plan completed by Thomas P. Miller and Associates, as presented to the Allegany County Board of County Commissioners at its August 22, 2019 meeting notes the need for the county to develop a talent retention strategy aimed at local high school, community college, and university students. The report specifically notes the need to build on the Apprenticeship Maryland, P-TECH, and Leadership Allegany! Rising programs.  

Students participating in the Apprenticeship Maryland program will be required to complete their high school course work and 450 hours of on-the-job training before graduation. For more information regarding the program, please visit www.AMPallegany.com.