Apprenticeship programs are a gateway to invaluable work experience and education, providing an important blend of hands-on training and classroom learning. However, there are challenges apprentices may face along the way. No matter how gifted a student is or how hardworking they are, there may be a time when they require help from a trusted support system. Having this guidance is essential to ensuring the success of apprenticeship students, especially for those enrolled in CareerWise Greater Buffalo at Villa Maria College through Say Yes Buffalo.
CareerWise at Villa
CareerWise Greater Buffalo, a Say Yes Buffalo initiative, is an apprenticeship program for students on track to graduate from Buffalo Public Schools. As an earn-as-you-learn program, apprentices in the CareerWise program earn a living and gain crucial work experience while obtaining a higher education at a partnering institution like Villa.
“This model is not only innovative and timely, but it’s also game-changing for our students and their families. The program can literally break the cycle of generational poverty for a family here in Buffalo,” said Dr. Ryan Hartnett, Provost at Villa Maria College.
Dr. Hartnett, along with the team at Villa and Say Yes Buffalo, work together to foster a network that supports apprentices professionally, academically, and personally.
“It’s critical when developing a program to meet youth where they are to best help them continue on a path of success. This means recognizing a young person’s goals, strengths, growth opportunities, and barriers to success,” said Johanna Caplan, education manager for CareerWise Greater Buffalo.
The Challenges of Apprenticeships
Students in CareerWise make a big commitment to themselves by enrolling in the program. Taking on both school and work at the same time is tough on its own, without factoring in the pressure these students can feel to succeed in a program with a high level of demand.
“This is a big transitional period in their lives and they don’t always know how to navigate each situation they come upon, understandably,” Johanna said.
Navigating Corporate Culture
While apprentices in the program may have held a job before, it’s very likely their first time working in a corporate environment. Corporate jobs often hold high standards and expectations, even if they are unspoken.
“There is a significant learning curve in understanding ‘professional’ culture that wouldn’t be reasonable to assume an 18-year-old would know,” Johanna said. “With this knowledge, we hold an onboarding session called Apprenticeship University to help apprentices understand some of these expectations before their first day of work.”
Apprentices in the program also have a Success Coach to support them throughout their journey. These support team members offer career guidance and counseling through group discussions about corporate culture learning curves, professional development, and casework services.
Making Strides On Campus
Most college students need a little help at some point in their college career. The same is true for apprentices. Villa strives to help its apprentices not only succeed in the classroom but also feel empowered on campus.
“Personal connections on campus matter. Students need to feel supported, included, and ultimately, that they belong on a college campus,” said Dr. Hartnett. “Self-doubt can be crippling for students transitioning to college. The more touch points each student has on campus, the better; relationships with student life staff, academic coaches, faculty, and peers all contribute to a student’s sense of belonging and ultimately to their academic success.”
Eliminating Barriers
According to Dr. Hartnett, the biggest challenges that apprentices in the program face dont lie within the classroom or the workplace.
“Housing, transportation, and financial responsibilities are situational challenges for some of our apprentices,” he said.
Villa and Say Yes Buffalo work together to remove these personal barriers so apprentices can focus on the program. Wraparound services are in place for apprentices to help them address these and other key needs, including food insecurities and mental health needs.
“Having this level of support built into the program allows students to reach their fullest potential without external barriers that have nothing to do with their abilities, getting in the way,” Johanna said.
Support Breeds Success At Villa
Villa is committed to seeing its CareerWise apprentices reach their full potential professionally, academically, and personally through the program. To learn more about this opportunity, students currently enrolled in Buffalo Public Schools and city charter schools should reach out to Villa, CareerWise, or Say Yes Buffalo.
