Graduate Spotlight: Jubei Brown-Weaver
"My apprenticeship empowered me to try, to put myself out there, and to go after the things I once thought were out of reach.”
At CityWorks DC, we're dedicated to empowering DC's youth by creating pathways that bridge the divide between education and employment and accelerate the launch of careers into high-wage, high-demand fields. We proudly spotlight Jubei Brown-Weaver, a 2022 McKinley Tech grad and recent CareerWise DC apprentice graduate who completed a three-year youth apprenticeship in IT at Accenture. From the start of his apprenticeship in 2021 as a high school senior working part-time to its completion in 2024 working full-time, he logged over 2,000 hours, earned over $35,000, gained invaluable skills, and built a professional network that is shaping his future. In June 2024, upon graduating from CareerWise DC, he was selected for a year-long cybersecurity apprenticeship with Accenture, where he now is fully employed as a Packaged App Developer earning in a salary range of $50,000 to $70,000. In describing the impact of his apprenticeship, Jubei often talks about the earnings, the deep experience he gained, and the network he built over three years — but he also identifies an even more fundamental change: Possessing the confidence and sense of security needed to take risks and aspire for larger goals that he previously thought were out of reach.
Exploring the Potential in Cybersecurity
When Jubei first joined the apprenticeship program, he aimed to learn as much as possible about cybersecurity, which he found intriguing and promising. "I wanted to absorb as much knowledge as I could," he shared, viewing the experience as a chance to test his interest in the industry. Though he didn't start with a clear roadmap, he was excited about the opportunity to develop practical skills and explore whether a cybersecurity career was right for him. CityWorks DC and CareerWise DC provided the foundation, connecting Jubei with an employer that could mentor him and offer a wide range of experiences to broaden his skills and interests.
During the Apprenticeship: Going Beyond Expectations
As Jubei dove into his apprenticeship at Accenture, he quickly realized that it was much more enriching than anticipated. From hands-on cybersecurity projects to integration into Accenture's workplace culture, he gained technical skills, built durable skills, and learned to navigate the corporate world. Accenture welcomed him as a true team member, making him feel valued in a setting that could have otherwise felt overwhelming. "They made me feel like part of the company, not just a temporary apprentice," Jubei shared.
Jubei's dedication and curiosity paid off, opening doors to projects that enriched his professional network. Accenture supported him in developing his public speaking abilities, encouraging him to share his story and insights on several panels and at industry events. From Seattle to Indianapolis, Jubei took on speaking engagements that allowed him to meet people, advance apprenticeship awareness, and connect with new mentors. "These events helped me grow my network and even overcome my initial hesitation with public speaking," he explained, a skill in which he now feels confident. Jubei was also selected by Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeship (PAYA) to be one of their ambassadors to expand access to high-quality apprenticeship opportunities for high school age youth.
New Goals and Career Pathways
With his apprenticeship complete, Jubei has stepped into a full-time role with Accenture, setting his sights on long-term goals in cybersecurity. He is already preparing for certifications like the CompTIA Security+ and has his eye on achieving the Certified Ethical Hacker certification as he gains more experience. Reflecting on his progress, Jubei shared, “I used to think some of my goals seemed unattainable. Now, I think maybe they’re not so impossible.”
This journey also left him with a new sense of agency. "I feel empowered to try, to put myself out there, and to go after the things I once thought were out of reach,” he said, crediting his apprenticeship for giving him the confidence to take on new challenges.
Jubei's advice for future apprentices? "Recognize that a youth apprenticeship is more than a part-time job; it's a stepping stone to a meaningful career. Take every opportunity to learn and grow, even if it is challenging." His journey is a testament to the balance of persistence and support apprenticeships provide.
At CityWorks DC, we are incredibly proud of Jubei’s accomplishments and excited to support more young people as they embark on similar journeys. Recently, Jubei was highlighted in The 74 for his great work at Accenture, as well as on a Brookings panel sharing his professional journey. His story highlights the true power of apprenticeships in developing real-world skills, building networks, and creating pathways to career success.
To learn more about CityWorks DC and our CareerWise DC program, visit CityWorks DC Programs.
