‘It’s like I’m going to the NFL’

Tyler Gross formally became the latest Youth Apprentice from Caroline County Public Schools in a signing ceremony on June 25. Gross will work at Crystal Steel, Federalsburg, to learn and practice the skill of welding.

Gross is a rising senior at Colonel High School. During the last day of school, Gross realized that his desire to build things would turn into an opportunity for the summer and beyond.

Eric Cook, Coordinator of Career Readiness with Caroline County Public Schools, shared that he met Gross the last week of school during lunch C at CRHS as Cook was promoting the Youth Apprenticeship program. That seemingly chance encountered started a quick-moving process wherein Gross applied for the Youth Apprenticeship program through Crystal Steel, interviewed and was offered the job.

Jeff Keith, Plant Manager at the Federalsburg Crystal Steel location, had not been able to be at Gross’ interview, but that the plant supervisor immediately spoke with Keith after the interview to say, “this is our next guy.”

Gross was already working on the morning of the signing ceremony, and as the Crystal Steel, CCPS, and state professionals gathered for the ceremony, someone asked, “where’s Tyler,” to which several people responded, “he’s working.” As he entered the small conference room, Gross was met by a group of 10 people there to support him. He was surprised at the attention, and commented, “It’s like I’m going to the NFL.”

His mother, Erin Willis, isn’t surprised with her son’s work ethic and dedication. “He is hardworking, always has been,” she said. When asked what she thought about his entrance into a career path that could be risky, she said, “You have to have some risks in life to grow.” That is a sentiment that Gross reflected earlier, “if you aren’t going to do (something), why even try.”

Gross will continue his education at CRHS in the fall, and must meet certain academic, training, and skills requirements to continue as a Youth Apprentice. Keith recognizes the value of the program for Crystal Steel in acquiring talent. “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 you can earn a good living.”

The Caroline County Public School Apprenticeship Program (#EarnandLearn) provides students with paid, mentored, real-world learning opportunities. The program is open to Juniors and Seniors ages 16+.

The Apprenticeship Program includes one credit of relevant classroom education and a minimum of 450 hours of PAID work experience. The sponsoring business works with the school system to match qualifying students with work experiences, and agrees to terms of the Youth Apprenticeship program.