HCPSS Student Apprentices Support Chromebook Repair Initiative

October 30th, 2023

Providing opportunities for students to participate in authentic learning experiences that prepare them for future careers and life is part of the HCPSS Strategic Call to Action. One avenue to provide these experiences is through the Apprenticeship Maryland program.

Of the 47 students who are participating in this program this school year, three high school seniors – Hector Castelan-Saavedra, Long Reach High School, Noah Morra, Mt. Hebron High School, and Muhammad Sher, Marriotts Ridge High School – are serving as apprentices in the HCPSS Department of Information Technology (IT) by supporting the Chromebook repair initiative.

“I pursued the Apprenticeship Maryland Program because I saw it as a great opportunity to gain knowledge and experience, and get my foot in the door of the IT industry,” Morra said. “The best part of being an HCPSS IT Student Apprentice is the community and people I get to work alongside as well as gaining hands-on experience.”

The students are responsible for assessing student Chromebooks to determine if repairs are needed, if they can be returned to inventory, or if they need to be recycled. Since the start of their apprenticeship in August 2023, the students have processed over 1,450 total devices.

“The Student Apprentices have had a tremendous impact on our office,” said Keven Wise, IT Manager of Customer Support. “Their enthusiasm to learn new skillsets, work under the mentorship of our staff members and repair broken technology in a timely fashion is a direct benefit to our school system.”

Serving in this role, the students also attend IT Field Services meetings and spend time exploring other possible work interests within the department.

Learn more about Apprenticeship Maryland.