First Student Graduates from KENT WORLDWIDE™ IT Apprenticeship Program
MUSCATINE, Iowa (February 19, 2026) – KENT WORLDWIDE™’s first Information Technology (IT) apprentice, Drake Minder, has officially graduated from the company’s program. Minder began working with KENT WORLDWIDE during his Junior year of high school.
To create the Registered Apprenticeship, KENT WORLDWIDE IT and Human Resources (HR) partnered with Muscatine High School. It is part of a statewide, industry-driven initiative that aims to create high-quality pathways to strengthen Iowa's workforce.
“KENT WORLDWIDE is committed to creating win‑win opportunities with all our partners, including our communities and today’s students who are our future,” said Johnnie Arnett, KENT WORLDWIDE Corporate Spokesperson. “We hope the hands‑on learning experiences Drake gained here leave a positive, lasting impact on him—just as they have on our company.”
To graduate from his apprenticeship, Minder completed 2,000 hours of hands-on experience with KENT WORLDWIDE, while balancing school. Projects included setting up and testing new point-of-sale components for the family company’s 17 Blue Seal Farm & Home stores in the Northeast United States.
“I have to say thank you to everyone who has helped me get here,” said Minder, at his graduation ceremony hosted by KENT WORLDWIDE. “I can’t believe the opportunity I have been given – thank you very much and I am excited to see where this takes me.”
Minder is now a sophomore at Iowa State University pursuing a degree in Computer Science.
Over the past three years, KENT WORLDWIDE’s Apprenticeship Program has expanded. There are now three high school students involved—all working on the IT team.
“I think [the program] provides these students with the opportunity to actually see local industry, and at the same time it gives [KENT WORLDWIDE] a definite talent pipeline,” said Jake Phelps, IT Manager, Security & Application Administration.
“What we are finding is, those who are involved in the program are wanting to stay in [Muscatine, Iowa] as well,” said Alan Millage, IT Manager, Finance & Vendor Management.
Minder plans to return to KENT WORLDWIDE as a Summer Internship in 2026.
About KENT WORLDWIDE
Since 1927, KENT WORLDWIDE has been guided by a deep commitment to animal care, human nutrition, and doing what’s right — values that have shaped its evolution into a globally diversified company. Today, KENT WORLDWIDE is a recognized leader in the manufacture and marketing of ag-based specialty ingredients and trusted consumer products. Award-winning and proudly family-owned, KENT WORLDWIDE is headquartered in Muscatine, Iowa, and led by third-generation CEO Gage A. Kent.