Apprenticeship – Page 2 – Apprentice Learning

February 15, 2022

Apprentice Learning curates programming that illuminates agency and choice whenever possible.

By Letta Neely, Associate Director of Programs

As everyone knows, this particular pandemic makes us reach deep in our toolbox to build new and edit the tried-and-true pathways for success. This fall, at Dearborn STEM Academy (DSA) and at Boston Teachers Union School (BTU), we were innovative with our programming and kept our young people at the center, embarking on a different type of career exploration. It makes me think of the Robert Frost poem, “The Road Not Taken”. In our case, the pandemic prevented us from sending young people out into the world of work. Hence, we brought the world of work to them!

At DSA, we implemented workplace explorations for our middle school students. Because Apprentice Learning curates programming that illuminates agency and choice whenever possible, career options included: Actor, Electrician, Flower Arranger, Sound Designer, Podcaster, Architect, Writer, or Social Justice Activist. Small groups of eighth grade students worked with each Career Mentor to create an artifact of their efforts. Some of these artifacts included: using design thinking to make a ketchup bottle that gets out the last drop; learning and using basic electrical concepts; making a podcast, writing a monolog, or practicing the art of flower arranging.

At BTU, each apprentice explored and researched a career of personal interest—including prerequisites and the proper work attire connected to their job interest. These apprentices continued to practice public speaking, making eye contact, and a different way of shaking hands in the business world. This culminated in a one day, two-hour interview experience where each eighth grader met 1-on-1 with an adult who played the part of an interviewer and who afterward gave written and oral feedback.

In both schools, on the morning of their apprenticeship, the eighth graders arrived excited, intrigued, nervous, and most importantly, ready. In our workshops, we practice being “Work Ready”, “Community Ready,” and “Courage Ready.” Our apprentices were all of this and more. The looks on their faces, the attention spans, and their posture was the evidence. They were able to speak freely, ask questions, and use their learning styles and signature strengths in the service of their own growth.

This spring we’re called to change our methodology once again because the times demand it. At this moment, due to the pandemic, our worksite partners are not able to safely come into the building. So, we’ve altered the design of our program but not the mission. We will deliver our regular six-week preparation curriculum including having each student create a resume.

AL staff will deliver mechanical engineering and marketing apprenticeship experiences to the youth ourselves. We’ll also utilize SuitUp to provide a one-day entrepreneurship experience virtually. The eighth graders will be mentored by employees of Dentsu Media and LiveRamp and will work in collaboration with middle school students in other states. These experiences are different opportunities for the youth to strut and stretch their budding growth. They will get to practice using their voices, engaging with others, exploring three careers and reaching their own personal bar of excellence.

For our ninth grader alumni, we begin our Launch+ program this week. This paid Learn-to-Earn internship meets virtually with Apprentice Learning staff twice weekly. Alums deepen their understanding of the world of work, learn to accurately update resumes created in eighth grade, and are fully supported as they apply for paid summer employment through SuccessLink.

We continue to feel fortunate in this climate. We keep doing our best work no matter what curves the pandemic brings. We keep helping young people deepen their skill sets, broaden their horizons, and expand their possibilities. We know that eventually, the outside world will open back up and we’ll be able to send youth into the world of work. We know that you’ll be right there with us, waiting with open arms to share your experience, expertise, and passions.

December 6, 2018

Making Connections: Northeastern University Volunteers

My name is Josie Lee, I’m a second year Chemical Engineering student at Northeastern University, and this semester I’ve been volunteering for Apprentice Learning. I had no idea what Apprentice Learning was until this semester, and from everything I’ve learned I truly think it’s a fantastic organization! The students are getting job exposure and have a wonderful opportunity to understand different work environments, and to discover their own passions. Having responsibility and working for tangible reward is something that encourages a lot of people, and it’s awesome these kids are exposed to that because it can motivate them throughout school to reach for responsibility and ultimately, the reward of a paying job.

I’ve loved volunteering for Apprentice Learning not only because I like the organization, but also because I get to interact with the kids. I’ve always loved volunteering because of the connections that I make. I love getting to talk to the kids and see what their view is about work, responsibility, and school. It’s interesting to hear what they say and to compare it with what I thought when I was their age and what I think now. Hearing their different perspectives is very refreshing, and I hope they take something positive from what I share with them. I hope that if they’re having trouble in any way, maybe I can offer an outsiders look and be a resource for them. Most of all, for me it’s all about making the connection and being as helpful as I can be as they travel to their apprenticeships and reflect on their work experience.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed volunteering with Apprentice Learning this semester, and I hope to return next semester!

Josie volunteered with Apprentice Learning through Northeastern University’s Husky Volunteer Team (HVT). We are grateful for all her help this semester. To learn more about HVT and other community service visit https://www.northeastern.edu/communityservice/

November 19, 2018

Family Business

Apprentice Learning has been around long enough that we have a few legacies. Like the Delgado family. Miguel did an apprenticeship in 2016 at MicroSoft and now has found solid footing as a designer with Artists for Humanity, blending his love of computers with his love of art. His younger brother, Adrian, is currently apprenticing at Ferris Wheels Bike Shop. He likes it so much and feels so much a part of the crew, tat he has asked if he can show up on Saturdays, too.

The secret sauce? Family engagement. Mary Delgado credits Apprentice Learning with creating new opportunities and vistas for her boys. But she has been an equal partner. During the matching process, we discussed ideas Adrian’s placement and together, determined that the bike shop was a great fit. Mary even dropped by the bike shop at the end of Adrian’s shift to see him at work. Mary and her boys attended our recent Skyline event and spoke about her experience with our program.

Family voices matter. We know our students will go further with all of us lending a hand.

September 20, 2017

Host an Apprentice: 5 Tips for Success

Mentors and owners of Adi’s Bike World, Adi and Val, teaching Joxcel how to use tools.

As schools get underway, Apprentice Learning is preparing 50 students for apprenticeships throughout Boston in a wide variety of businesses. These worksite partners make time each week to create a hands-on learning experience that helps students understand a particular workplace and practice the professional skills Apprentice Learning staff introduce in our six preparatory classes. Our experienced worksite partners have learned the right menu of tasks. Here is what we’ve learned from our partners:

1. Plan age-appropriate tasks including a mix of work including tasks that require higher level thinking skills.
Nearly all simple tasks are things students enjoy doing: assembling packets, doing inventory, updating a database or straightening shelves. These tasks build confidence and independence. Activities such as customer service and managing money are more challenging although apprentices report that they love doing this work. The trick is to vary tasks enough so the apprentice has an opportunity to learn more about the business by talking with you, customers, colleagues or by seeing firsthand exactly how things work.

2. Don’t expect the apprentice to take the lead.
One of the primary benefits of an apprenticeship for students is learning how to engage with adults who are not their teachers or family members. These types of social interactions are extremely rare for most students and initially, can be complex and stressful. Help ease a student’s discomfort and ask lots of how or what questions. What might be a first step you would take to tackle this task? What do you think should happen next? How do you understand the task I presented to you? How do you think our business makes money?

3. Do know that students are enjoying their experience—even if they don’t tell you!
Universally, the apprenticeship is a weekly highlight for students. Apprentices are much more nervous and anxious then they will let on, or may be learning how their body language can be perceived. Don’t worry. It’s normal! Once in a while, an apprenticeship isn’t a good fit. If that is the case, we will be in touch with you immediately to discuss changes, even to place the student in another setting better suited to his/her skills and interests. We all share the same goal that a young person’s first work experience is positive.

4. Use the experts.
When Apprentice Learning staff stops by to check in—we are not just checking on the apprentice. This is an opportunity for you to share questions, concerns or ideas about working with a young person. Use us as a sounding board. We love to talk about young people at work.

5. Have fun. It’s the Wonder Years.
Eighth graders love Apprentice Learning because they want to spend time with you. Young people at this age are in the greatest growth period in the human life cycle. The ages of 13-15 are called the Wonder Years for this reason. Apprentices are curious and eager to exercise independence and demonstrate their competence. They have intellectual capabilities that are often untapped in traditional school settings. Our oldest apprentices can vividly recall their workplace experience from their eighth grade years. The experience you create matters more than you know.