Lupita Montiel is about to become the first in her family to graduate from college. The youngest of her siblings, it was her dream to go on to higher education. Thanks to her apprenticeship program through Blue Ridge Her Community Her College, she is one step closer to realizing that dream of hers.
“I want to get a degree. None of my brothers have a degree. They work,” Montiel said. “They tried, but it wasn't for them…and I understood that.”
After working and studying for three semesters, I earned my business certification from Blue Ridge Community College. The sense of accomplishment and pride he gained from earning his certificate influenced not only Montiel but others as well. Her family and friends filled her room at the ceremony where she received her certificate.
“We know how big this meant to her and her family,” said Shanda Bedoan, director of corporate and customized training at Blue Ridge Community College. “…She probably had 20 to 30 people. It was everyone. Her family, friends, you name it.”
Apprenticeships allow students to earn wages while working to earn a qualification, certificate, or university degree. For many college students, especially first-generation college students, working while attending school is essential. According to the Center for First-Generation Student Success, it is estimated that approximately 50% of first-generation college students are low-income. Additionally, 66% of her first-year students found employment while in school.
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While a student at West Henderson High School, Monitel learned about the apprenticeship program offered through Blue Ridge Community College during a personal finance class she was taking. After hearing about this opportunity, she went to a university event to learn more.
“I was very nervous because the content was beyond my scope, and there were only a few girls there…But I went with the feeling, “If I don't do this, I won't go.'' 'So I went and I loved it,' Montiel said.
Blue Ridge Community College offers 15 apprenticeship programs across a variety of industry sectors. Mr Montiel took part in a business and banking apprenticeship and worked at Mountain Credit Union. It was an easy choice for her as she has been interested in math and numbers for many years.
Prior to joining the apprenticeship program, Montiel completed Blue Ridge's pre-apprenticeship program. In the pre-apprenticeship program, the apprentice spends her two weeks learning basic professional skills that will help her transition into the workforce. This program is a precursor to draft day, when apprentice and employer selections are announced.
“Pre-practicum just lays the foundation for us as working professionals. We learn how to have conversations, how to have communication skills in the workplace, how to advocate for ourselves as an employee, and how to be a professional as a high school graduate or a career changer. We coach and teach them how to have important conversations that they may not know,” said Cassandra Townsend, Blue Ridge Community College practicum coordinator.
While in the program, Montiel attended classes one day a week and worked at his workplace the rest of the week. This model has helped the university expand its program over the past five years.
“We work with over 60 employers. We hear from them and our apprentices how special the one-day-a-week model is,” Mr Townsend said.
“I have a lot of hands-on experience. What the credit union offers me is internal growth. They want to see us grow and my manager definitely wants to see us grow. She wants to see me grow. She works one on one with all of us and always tells me how I'm progressing and how much she wants me to improve. “I'll give it to you,” Montiel said. “I always think about how much I’ve grown since I started.”
Mountain Credit Union asked Montiel if he was interested in continuing his employment while he studied for an associate's degree in business. Montiel hopes other high school students will consider practicum and the impactful opportunities it provides students.
“We're looking for people with experience in the job openings. You've already done both, going to school, learning and going to work, so it's a great experience overall,” she said. “Embrace it and watch yourself grow from start to finish, because that's not given to everyone. And it was an opportunity for me that I won't regret.”