KENT Expands STEM Apprenticeship Program

MUSCATINE, IOWA (April 16, 2024) – KENT® Corporation is expanding its commitment to fostering young talent with the addition of two new high school apprentices, Derrick Lewandowski and Matthew Spies, both juniors from Muscatine High School (MHS).

“We are thrilled to welcome Derrick and Matthew as Information Technology (IT) apprentices,” said Jennifer Bermel, KENT’s Director of Talent Acquisition. “At KENT, we believe in providing hands-on experiences that prepare students for successful careers and our STEM-focused apprenticeship program does just that.”

The program, now in its second year, builds on the success of Drake Minder, KENT’s first apprentice, who has thrived in his IT role at the company.

“This is a ‘win-win’ for KENT, our local high school and these two new apprentices,” said Bermel, “Together, we’re shaping the future of STEM talent in our community, and we can’t wait for another rewarding year of mentorship and growth.”

Derrick and Matthew were involved in a rigorous selection process that involved a written application and multiple in-person interviews, conducted by KENT’s IT team in collaboration with MHS. Full time apprenticeship work will begin this summer and will continue through the students’ senior year.

About KENT Corporation
With origins in the livestock feed business, today KENT Corporation is a diversified, family-owned company headquartered in Muscatine, Iowa (USA) with operating subsidiaries involved in corn wet milling, the production of animal feeds, and the manufacture of food, beverage, and pet products. KENT is led by third generation family member, Gage A. Kent. KENT serves customers across the world and employs approximately two thousand people in 40 locations across 20 states and seven countries.