What can apprenticeships teach us about mentoring, real-world work and purpose?

As we aspire to prepare youth to thrive in and shape the workforce of tomorrow, we have a lot to learn from places who blur the lines between school and work today.

This month, we check out programs who provide powerful, immersive, on-the-job training. Whether literal apprenticeships or innovative approaches to career readiness, we will consider the implications for providing more immediate exposure to and up-skilling for jobs and trades.

Register below with a sponsorship code or via sliding scale pricing that begins at $25. (Note: the sliding scale is an intentional effort to make inspiration as accessible as possible and to distribute resources equitably between organizations we work with.)

GUESTS

THE LOOP LAB

The Loop Lab was founded as a project to decrease youth violence and drug abuse in disadvantaged communities by increasing job opportunities for young people. One of Loop Lab’s signature programs is a Media Arts Apprenticeships that ensures youth from low-income communities have access to real high-growth careers in the creative economy. We’ll be joined by Lucas Raagas, Academy Manager, to learn more.

Davinci Schools

The purpose of Da Vinci's Real World Learning Program is to prepare students for success after high school and to launch them into financially stable and fulfilling lives, and making real world connections is at the center of their work. Young people tackle real world problems and gain hands-on experience via project consults, mentorships, internships and more. We’ll be joined by Crissel Rodriguez, the Director of Real World Learning to learn more.

PRODIGY COFFEE

Prodigy Coffee hires young adults from northeast Denver into a paid , 12-18 month apprenticeship in one of two coffeehouses. Apprentices build craft barista and teamwork skills while engaging in consistent personal and professional development. They are given the opportunity to share their inherent greatness while building skills to support their growth, culminating in learning to become peer trainers and leaders for their teammates. We’ll be joined by Brady Grant, Prodigy’s Director of Learning.

SYLLABUS

Get your wheels turning about this month’s theme.

Want to share a resource to add here? Email info@theinspirationproject.org