What started as an apprenticeship with RTC Communications, designed to show a young person what a career could look like with a rural fiber internet provider in the Indiana Uplands, soon grew into a lasting relationship.
Bringing with him a sincere curiosity, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn, Ryder Craig, an UpSkill Work & Learn high school youth apprentice, quickly became an essential employee at RTC. Ryder graduated from Barr-Reeve High School and now attends Ivy Tech Community College part-time while starting his career in the Indiana Uplands, working full-time at RTC in Montgomery.
Hiring Ryder straight out of high school is a prime example of why RTC became an UpSkill Work & Learn youth apprenticeship employer partner: to grow local talent and build lasting careers close to home.
Ryder Craig is pictured working as an apprentice at RTC Communications, gaining hands-on experience that led to his transition into a full-time role.
RTC Communications joined the UpSkill youth apprenticeship program in 2021 to address the growing need for highly technical roles, including network and solutions engineers. Recognizing that these specialized skill sets are not always developed locally, the company saw the program as an opportunity to cultivate young talent, provide hands-on experience, and build a pipeline of homegrown employees for the future. Ryder’s success reflects that vision in action.
Ryder works alongside RTC’s Network Engineering team to design and create unique cable-holding solutions using 3-D printers. From internet and phone installation to marketing support, network engineering, and cybersecurity, Ryder has explored nearly every facet of RTC’s operations. His experience includes cybersecurity software installation, cable infrastructure projects, communication systems installation, server setup, and global administration of select company programs. This hands-on experience is something few recent high school graduates can list on a resume.
Without complaint, even during a 2:00 a.m. maintenance issue, Ryder is always willing to help. No matter the task at hand, he is eager to learn new skills and technology, an essential quality in the IT field.
Ryder’s colleagues have shared that at this small company, where employees wear many hats depending on the need, Ryder consistently shows interest in the work in front of him. By thinking outside the box and taking time to research solutions, he has proven himself to be a strong problem solver. When answers are not immediately apparent, Ryder approaches challenges with persistence and creativity.
Ryder’s enthusiasm, upbeat personality, and willingness to learn reflect exactly what RTC Communications looks for in an employee, allowing the company to build its workforce right at home. For Ryder, RTC has become a place to grow his skills and build a future—right here in the Indiana Uplands.
Watch Ryder at work and hear more about his journey in a short video featuring Ryder and Pat Todd, RTC Communications Vice President of Human Resources and Public Relations. View the video on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlO2pIuOYq