Written By CWDC Apprentice Alum and Marketing Communications Coordinator Daisy Gutierrez
I was just a sophomore in high school, attending online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic, unaware that an apprenticeship would change both my educational journey and my future for the better.
One regular class day, I received an email from my high school's experiences coordinator Lance Gideon inviting me to explore apprenticeship opportunities. After a couple of Zoom calls with the coordinator to learn more, I became intrigued by the idea of getting paid while learning, and still being enrolled in school. Although I was uncertain about my future career path, ultimately, my apprenticeship played a crucial role in helping me clarify my aspirations.
During this time, I received mentorship from my teachers and was involved in a mentoring program at Abraham Lincoln High School. I asked around, joined multiple Zoom calls and they helped me decide that this was an opportunity I had to take advantage of. With Lance's assistance, I applied for various apprenticeship roles through the Apprenticeship CareerWise website.
After interviewing with various companies for different roles I was offered a position at the CWDC at the age of 16. My apprenticeship began just a few months later in my junior year of high school, in the fall of 2021, and the program allowed me to attend school part-time while working in a professional setting in the community
I was one of only two apprentices in my high school, which made for a unique experience. I often had to explain to others why I only had a few classes and left right after lunch, leading to some confusion. While I wouldn’t say I had a traditional high school journey, as I wasn’t fully engaged in school activities, working at a young age has been incredibly worthwhile.
I gained valuable exposure to the workforce, deepened my knowledge of the marketing industry, and developed professional-level skills. Additionally, I was able to take post-secondary education courses in high school that helped me advance significantly in my studies.
During my apprenticeship, I have also been able to obtain my certification in Digital Marketing Strategy and Planning Specialization. This journey has not always been easy as it has required a lot of hard work and dedication. However, as I look back on this incredible experience, I am filled with a sense of accomplishment. Not only have I grown as an individual, but I have also grown as a young marketing professional, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I've had to learn from experienced professionals and add to my knowledge of the marketing world.
I was immensely excited to carry forward the lessons and experiences that I gained as I continue to pursue my aspirations in college and beyond.
After completing my three-year apprenticeship, I am happy to share that I now have a permanent role with CWDC as their Marketing and Communications Coordinator while studying full-time as a first-generation student at the University of Colorado Denver.
I am extremely grateful for my coworkers and the opportunity to have a flexible schedule while still being an undergraduate student. I am especially grateful for Lance Gideon’s support,—his encouragement and expertise were instrumental in guiding me through the process of my apprenticeship. Without his help, I might not have pursued this transformative experience.
Apprenticeships open doors, leading to life-changing experiences. So whether you're in high school, college, or simply undecided on your career path, I strongly recommend completing an internship or apprenticeship. Not only do you gain experience, but you also develop a clearer understanding of the career path you are interested in, helping you determine whether you're on the right path or not.
I encourage you to explore apprenticeship opportunities through the CareerWise Apprenticeship page or Colorado’s Apprenticeship Program Directory!