Empowering Future Leaders: First CareerWise DC Cohort Complete Apprenticeships
This month, the first CareerWise DC cohort completed their apprenticeships! Their multi-year on-the-job training took place at businesses across the DMV, where they completed meaningful work while building a life-long professional network and earning nationally-recognized industry certifications. CityWorks DC spoke with apprentices Frankie, Jabari, and Dion to hear more about their experiences and how they’ve grown into emerging professionals, each uniquely contributing to their respective fields.
Frankie, Accenture Apprentice: Community Leader
From her promotion from the Human Resources department to the Office of the CEO, Frankie gained invaluable insights into the corporate world and the power of collaboration with Accenture. Her experience was enriched further by support from our CareerWise DC staff, who helped nurture her professional growth and empower her to impact her community positively.
Frankie undertook significant project management responsibilities during her apprenticeship, including facilitating a meeting between New York City apprentices and top executives. She also engaged in her capstone project on youth apprenticeship, focusing on how Accenture employs high school students to prepare them for in-demand job opportunities. Her capstone aims to benefit future youth apprentices and foster a community-focused culture, a value she says CareerWise DC deeply instilled in her .
"CareerWise taught me to be empathetic and understand those I work with to achieve our collective goals,” said Frankie “It's not just about personal growth; it's about helping others achieve their mission." Her apprenticeship experience, combined with her studies in business administration at Catholic University, has led her to consider a career in human resources, leveraging her people-oriented skills to create positive change within organizations.
Frankie will further develop her administrative and fundraising skills through her internship at Bank of America, reaffirming her commitment to community-focused initiatives. "I want people to experience what I have experienced, or even better,” said Frankie. “I want to be a part of the change."
Frankie's unique journey as an Accenture apprentice, coupled with support from CareerWise DC, exemplifies the power of apprenticeship programs in empowering young talent to become authentic leaders, profoundly impacting the world around them.
Dion, Enlightened, Inc.: IT Innovator
Dion's journey as an apprentice began with inspiration from a teacher who recognized his passion for technology and suggested he explore apprenticeship opportunities. "He knew I wanted to specialize in it,” Dion recalled. “He told me this was a great opportunity to gain experience in the field."
Throughout his three-year apprenticeship, Dion absorbed a wealth of knowledge and skills, "I have learned a lot of techniques and discipline, such as how to manage hardware, collect data, set up networks, and program,” he said. “I've also learned about other fields like finances and HR, which have provided me with a well-rounded experience."
Among his many accomplishments at Enlightened, Inc., one stands out vividly. Dion recalls creating his first web application using programming languages he wasn't familiar with. He built an entire website in just weeks, showcasing his ability to learn and adapt quickly.
Beyond technical skills, Dion has learned valuable life lessons during his apprenticeship. "One way I feel more prepared is that it's okay not to know everything," he explains. His supervisor's approach to problem-solving through research has taught him that continuous learning and adaptability are vital attributes in any profession. He plans to continue studying IT at George Mason University and working for Enlightened, Inc. part-time while he finishes college.
Jabari, Kastle Systems: Team Player
The journey as a Kastle Systems Client Services Coordinator apprentice for Jabari has been nothing short of transformative. Over three years, he had the opportunity to immerse himself in cybersecurity, property management, and security systems.
An email from his academic dean during Jabari's early high school years sparked Jabari's interest in joining CareerWise DC. Eager to develop his career and broaden his horizons, he took up the opportunity and embarked on his enriching journey.
"I didn't have a specific career in mind at first,” Jabari recalls. “I just wanted to gain professional experience and expand my knowledge of the working world."
During his apprenticeship, Jabari delved into cybersecurity, a field he had never considered. He was fascinated by the power of technology in managing and securing buildings remotely. "Cybersecurity was a new concept for me, but I realized how cool it was to control and manage building security systems from anywhere remotely," he shares.
As a Client Services Coordinator apprentice, Jabari's responsibilities included compiling weekly reports on Kastle-managed buildings and updating the team on active and inactive properties. This role honed his time management and attention-to-detail skills. It exposed him to various software platforms like Dynamics CRM and SharePoint, giving him hands-on experience that he had never encountered before.
One of the highlights of his apprenticeship was presenting a comprehensive overview of Kastle's website to the Client Services Division, a project that showcased his communication and problem-solving abilities.
The apprenticeship experience had a profound impact on Jabari's personal growth. "I improved as an active listener and became more present in my interactions,” he shared. “It also taught me how hard work translates into real results."
Looking ahead, Jabari plans to pursue a major in Criminal Justice at Saint Augustine in Raleigh, North Carolina. His passion for criminal justice has grown since making an impact on his community with his apprenticeship. "I want to make a positive change in the community, and criminal justice seems like a path where I can achieve that." Happily for his supervisor and program lead, he does not plan to leave Kastle Systems. After Jabari reaches his three year anniversary with Kastle Systems and transitions to university, the plan is for him to continue in a part-time role.
Jabari credits his apprenticeship with CareerWise DC for instilling in him the importance of being proactive and adaptable in any work environment. He advises future apprentices to embrace every opportunity, be actively engaged, and remain open to exploring new possibilities.
"No matter where an apprentice starts, how much effort they put into the experience counts,” he advised.” Being proactive and taking initiative can lead to a positive and rewarding journey."
The journeys of Frankie, Jabari, and Dion exemplify the power of apprenticeship programs in empowering young talent to become authentic leaders, making a profound impact on the world around them. Through support and mentorship from CareerWise DC, these apprentices have emerged as capable professionals, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Their stories inspire and encourage aspiring apprentices to embark on their own journeys, creating a brighter future for themselves and their communities. If you are an employer interested in hiring apprentices and growing your business, please get in touch with CityWorks DC VP of Innovation Lateefah Durant at ldurant@cityworksdc.org.
