April 18, 2025
Written by: Thomas Hartman, Ph.D., Senior Consultant Career Pathways
What is an Apprentice and Why Do They Matter?
Apprenticeships offer a powerful pathway for individuals to gain real-world experience while contributing meaningfully to an organization. This is a story about building strong relationships within the context of an apprenticeship in the career pathway development sector. It highlights the importance of trust, communication, and mutual growth in these unique working relationships.
In this post, we'll explore the dynamics of a supervisor-apprentice relationship, focusing on cultivating a successful and rewarding experience for both parties. We’ll cover key aspects such as establishing trust, the role of feedback, and overcoming challenges. Understanding these elements is crucial because strong relationships form the foundation of effective apprenticeships, leading to better outcomes for apprentices, organizations, and the industries they serve.
Establishing the Relationship
My experience working with Zarin Moon, a registered Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC) Project Management Associate Apprentice from CareerWise Colorado, perfectly illustrates the power of strong working relationships.
Zarin plays a crucial role in our CWDC team. She is instrumental in our career pathway-building projects and manages the industry engagement phase. This phase involves designing surveys, conducting interviews, and gathering feedback from local businesses to ensure our pathways align with industry needs.
“Working alongside Thomas, and his guidance throughout the industry interview process, has helped me better understand the relationship between government and businesses and specifically how career pathways help solve real-world challenges,” says Zarin Moon.
Building trust with Zarin was essential from the start. We prioritized open communication through weekly check-ins, during which we discussed her progress, challenges, and goals, both professionally and academically. This personalized approach helped us understand each other better and fostered a strong connection.
“Thomas is always understanding when it comes to my messy schedule and willing to help me find a balance between my important work as an apprentice and my academics,” said Zarin.
We initially relied on email for feedback, but we found that more direct communication, like video calls, was more effective for collaborative discussions and immediate project clarification. This shift allowed for better real-time interaction and strengthened our working relationship.
Feedback is a cornerstone of Zarin's engagement. We provide formal and informal feedback, celebrating her successes and offering constructive criticism. This continuous feedback loop reinforces the value of her contributions and helps her grow professionally.
Building Trust and Celebrating Accomplishments
To build trust within our organization and with Zarin, I consistently advocate for her, highlight her contributions, and provide her with meaningful tasks. This demonstrates her value to the team and fosters a supportive environment for her to thrive.
“Thomas has supported my growth as a Project Management Apprentice. He consistently takes the time to explain his role as a project manager and connects it directly to our work on Career Pathways projects,” says Zarin.
“For example, when planning the industry engagement phase, he walked me through his thought process for designing effective surveys and interview questions to align with our project goals. He also assigned me specific online training focused on the technical aspects of project management, which helped build my skills and understanding.” Zarin said.
Tips and Reminders
● Prioritize open and honest communication.
● Provide regular and constructive feedback.
● Recognize and celebrate successes.
● Be willing to adapt your approach as needed.
● Focus on building a strong working relationship based on trust and mutual respect.
Mentorship, Growth, and the Power of Collaboration
“Mentoring an apprentice is more than just teaching skills-it’s about guiding an individual through challenges,” says CWDC Senior Communications Strategist and Apprenticeship Supervisor Keri Funkhouser.
“You’re not just passing down knowledge, you’re shaping confidence, work ethic, and problem-solving skills,” says Funkhouser.
Beyond mentorship, apprentices benefit from cross-team collaboration, gaining exposure to multiple disciplines and access to a diverse range of expertise from team members.
“Apprentices can provide a fresh perspective that can challenge you as a supervisor to refine your own expertise, making the learning experience a mutually beneficial, two-way relationship,” Funkhouser says.
Patience and encouragement are key to supporting an apprentice. Mistakes will happen, but they’re opportunities for growth rather than setbacks.
“Watching them gain confidence, develop skills and grow into a capable, independent worker is incredibly rewarding.” Funkhouser said.
A Rewarding Journey
Strong relationships are at the heart of successful apprenticeships. By prioritizing trust, communication, and mutual growth, supervisors can create enriching experiences for their apprentices while achieving organizational goals.
If you're considering working with an apprentice or want to learn more about building effective career pathways, I encourage you to explore the resources available on the CWDC website. Consider subscribing to our newsletter for more insights and updates on our initiatives.