For Keaton Kidd, working with his hands has always been second nature. From electrical to plumbing and HVAC, he explored various trades in high school. But it wasn’t until he participated in an internship with the KCS Maintenance Department that he found his career path.
“I knew I wanted to do a trade when I got out of school,” Kidd said. “When they came out with this program, I said, ‘I’ll try it.’ I loved the people I worked with. They were great teachers. So I decided I’d stick with this.”
Kidd was one of several students who took part in the KCS Maintenance internship, a program that allowed students to apply their classroom learning in a real-world setting.
During his semester-long internship, Kidd spent his afternoons working alongside seasoned HVAC technicians, gaining hands-on experience troubleshooting and repairing equipment.
The internship program was developed when Halls High Principal Spencer Long reached out to the KCS Director of Maintenance, Chris Towe, about students interested in an internship.
Mike Pollard, Maintenance Supervisor, said the experience was invaluable—not just for students, but for the department as well.
“They were already taking an HVAC class through the CTE department, so they understood the basics,” Pollard explained. “When they came to work with us, they would ride with one of our seasoned technicians, gaining real, hands-on experience. They weren’t just watching; they were troubleshooting and repairing equipment.”
Kidd stood out early on. His work ethic, dependability, and enthusiasm for the trade made a lasting impression on the team.
“He was always on time. He didn’t miss a day,” Pollard said. “He’s just a nice young man and a really good employee.”
After completing his internship, Kidd was hired full-time as an HVAC Technician with KCS Maintenance, covering schools in the north Knoxville area—a community he grew up in.
“I love it,” Kidd said. “Just the people I’m always around are so positive and great to work with.”
Pollard emphasized that Kidd’s success highlights the benefits of the program.
“We knew his work ethic and his knowledge before he came to work with us, and that’s a tremendous help when making a hiring decision,” he said. “We actually picked Keaton over some candidates with more experience because he showed initiative and really wanted to be here.”
As for students considering an internship, Kidd has simple advice: “It doesn’t hurt to try. I tried it, and I loved it. Maybe someone else can too.”
With the success of the HVAC and electrical internship programs, Pollard believes there’s potential for expansion into other trades.
“I can see it growing,” he said. “If students show interest in other areas, we’d love to give them the same opportunities.”
For Kidd, that opportunity turned into a career—one built on hands-on learning, hard work, and a passion for the trade.
Career Empowerment and Preparation
Knox County Schools is dedicated to Career Empowerment and Preparation. At KCS, we are committed to preparing students for graduation and life after graduation. By providing students with early and meaningful opportunities to explore colleges and KCS is reimagining the high school experience through the 865 Academies to prepare students for their future after graduation, whether that means enrolling in postsecondary studies; enlisting in service to their country; or finding employment in a high-wage, high-skill, and in-demand profession, with an entrepreneurial mindset. Learn more about this initiative at knoxschools.org/academies.