DES MOINES, Iowa — With National Apprenticeship Week this week, Des Moines Public Schools' hands-on learning based Central Campus begins a new apprenticeship program empowering students in the technology field.
The in-house program, dubbed the "Tech Squad," will have seven students in its first class which will receive career training and real preparation for the workforce while earning money.
Program highlights according to DMPS include: Hands-on tech support experience, competitive compensation and growth opportunities, enhanced tech support for the school district and meaningful career preparation and resume building.
The first class of the Tech Squad includes Jacob Padilla, Finian Huggins, Saidi Matwi, Julie Villatoro, Amen Negash, Johnlee Vy and Christian Neri.
DMPS said they will be stationed as tech support specialists at their own respective high schools in the community or at Central Campus.
“Central Campus and Des Moines Public Schools are incredibly proud to lead the way in offering meaningful, career-focused opportunities to our students,” said Kelsie Mouchka, associate principal at Central Campus.
In the program, DMPS positions itself as both the sponsor and employer so students earn while they learn.
And while the program will offer new and cutting-edge experiences to students, the school district sees a way to improve tech servicing across the district as well.
“This apprenticeship program doesn’t just benefit the students," Mouchka said. "It brings fresh, skilled talent into our district’s tech department and enhances each school’s access to dedicated tech support. The more we empower students to lead, the better we are as a system and a community.”
DMPS said it will see lasting value across the school district through the new program as it elevates the technical infrastructure, supporting students and staff.
"The students’ impact will be immediate and long-lasting, paving the way for further student-led workforce initiatives within the district," the district said.
Iowa Workforce Development and the Iowa Office of Apprenticeship are both credited as supporting the new program.
