Ruan initiated our technology-based apprenticeship program for high school students in 2017, the first of its kind in the state of Iowa. We provide the opportunity for selected apprentices to gain valuable work experience, earn income, and continue their post-high
school education. The program targets students taking cyber security courses, who enjoy technology, and are looking for an alternative to a four-year college or university.
Randy Huynh, IT Apprentice at the Des Moines Campus since 2021, recently graduated from North High School in Des Moines, IA. He was also awarded the high school’s Jane D. Choquette Scholarship, created to help fund students furthering their education after high school. To apply for the scholarship, Huynh wrote essays about his future goals, which lead him to interview for the scholarship with North High alumni.
In preparation for the interview, Randy and his leader, Senior Project Manager Nick Petersen, discussed the apprenticeship program and coached through potential questions. “It’s been a pleasure getting to work with and mentor Randy through the apprenticeship program. I am proud to know this program is helping young technologists in Iowa grow and build their skillsets,” Petersen said. Huynh said that the Ruan Technology Apprenticeship Program was a crucial experience that helped separate him from other applicants. Thanks to the scholarship, Huynh will receive $10,000 per year for four years to put toward his education.
Huynh will attend Iowa State University for Mechanical Engineering in the fall while working part-time as an apprentice at Ruan to continue growing his skills. “This apprenticeship has helped me greatly in learning new soft skills and better understanding how an office operates,” Huynh said.
Thank you for your hard work and dedication, Randy! Congratulations! We look forward to seeing what your future holds.
If you are interested in learning more about the Ruan Technology Apprenticeship Program, check out our website: Technology Apprenticeship Program.