Like clockwork, electrician Kevin Gardner and apprentice Luke Kenyon change light bulbs, pull wires and perform maintenance checks on Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center’s emergency standby generators to ensure everything is in working order. The duo, who have been working together since the fall of 2023, are quite literally keeping the lights on.

"I learn a lot more by doing things firsthand," says Kenyon.

Gardner and Kenyon are part of the Maryland Registered Apprenticeship Program, which began through the Howard County Public School System’s Apprenticeship Maryland. Johns Hopkins Howard County registered as an employer through the Maryland Department of Labor two years ago. According to senior program coordinator Rachel Waltermyer, the hospital is part of the training process for a budding electrician, a plumber, a stationary engineer, and a heating, ventilation and air conditioning specialist.

"The apprenticeship program is helping to fill the gaps in our skilled trade positions," Waltermyer says. "We’re employing someone young with little experience, and our seasoned mentors are training them by giving them hands-on experience from the very start. The apprentices are from our community, and the hope is that they’ll stay with us."

The registered apprenticeship programs with Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center are four-year training programs that include paid on-the-job training and industry-specific instruction.

"Luke has shined while here," says Waltermyer. "I notice that he’s always smiling and positive. He is interested in the work, and has developed an incredible bond with his mentor, Kevin."

Waltermyer says the duo's bond is so unique that she nominated Gardner for the Maryland Apprentice Mentor of the Year award. The governor recognized him during National Apprenticeship Week in November 2024.

"Kevin has been an electrician for 47 years," Waltermyer says. "He’s kind and dedicated to the work he does. He has a reputation for problem-solving skills. He takes the time to show Luke how it’s done and why. This mentor role has shown the whole team how great a leader he is."

River Hill High School graduate Kenyon is 18. He learned about the apprenticeship program through a family friend. He started in his senior year of high school and worked part-time for the hospital while taking classes at Independent Electrical Contractors Chesapeake (IECC). After graduating from high school, he began working for the hospital full-time and continued taking courses with IECC.

"I had no clue what I wanted to do after high school," says Kenyon. "When I heard about the program, I thought, you’ll always need electricians. I love the earn-while-you-learn part."

During National Apprenticeship Week, Kenyon attended an information session with Waltermyer at the Columbia Workforce Development Center, where she was scheduled to be a panelist. When they arrived, Kenyon learned that they wanted to feature him alongside Waltermyer for the panel discussion.

"The look on his face was priceless!" says Waltermyer. "He did a great job sharing his experience as an apprentice and speaking about the interview process, on-the-job training, related instruction and the program’s overall perspective."

Kenyon says he was happy to share his experience.

"Being an apprentice has definitely made me more responsible," he says. "I’ve learned how to be a worker in a professional setting. It’s a great experience, and Johns Hopkins is a great place to work. I love where I am right now."

Gardner says the key to being a mentor is challenging your apprentice.

"I always emphasize to him that in skilled trades, you need to use your brain and think outside the box," Gardner says. "You have to stop and really think about what you’re doing. He’s had to learn hand-eye coordination, proper wiring and what materials work best for what jobs. I want him to be cognizant of the craftsmanship."

Gardner says mentoring has made him a little humbler and more patient.

"If you’re going to be a mentor, you must have patience," he says. "When you have an apprentice, you must ensure you’re passing on your knowledge. Luke always rises to the occasion. He listens well and is always very respectful. I get a lot of satisfaction knowing that when I retire, I’ll go out on a high note by passing on my knowledge to Luke."

Apprenticeship Maryland coordinator Stephanie Discepolo says students who are a good fit for the apprenticeship program are typically very hands-on learners.

"Luke liked solving problems and fixing things," Discepolo says. "It was a big commitment for him as a senior, because he was also working 20 hours a week at the hospital."

Two years from now, Discepolo says Kenyon will be a fully licensed electrician. The program aims to help students overcome any barriers and make sure they’re set up for success in a supportive, cohesive environment.

"I have students who get up at 4:30 in the morning for their apprenticeship," she says. "They have surprised me with their commitment. It’s a program for any students willing to take feedback and work hard."

Discepolo says she’s grateful that the medical center has been so committed to the program.

"It’s an incredible opportunity to have a unique work experience," Discepolo says. "It’s vital for the students to have a team of people invested in them. Investing in youth is critical for the future workforce."

For more information about the apprenticeship program, visit https://www.hcpss.org/academy/apprenticeship/