Company Name: Amazon, CTA
Member Apprentice: Will Kobus

What motivated you to participate in an apprenticeship program?

My motivation to participate in an apprenticeship program was to find a career that fit my skills and interests and that, more importantly, gave me a feeling of fulfillment. Prior to the apprenticeship, I was in a job that matched my life skills and experiences, but I had no desire to move up the ladder or progress in the industry. I love to learn and do new things, as well as face new challenges, and the apprenticeship program checked all of those boxes.

What has been the biggest surprise so far?

My biggest surprise so far would have to be how supportive everyone in my program has been. I wasn’t expecting anyone to want me to fail or anything, but just the availability and willingness to set aside time in their very busy days to teach a new concept or explain a process meant a lot to me. I was never made to feel like a burden.

How has this experience impacted your perceptions about a career in the tech industry?

Prior to the apprenticeship, I was basically a complete industry outsider. I imagined the tech industry to be extremely rigid and cold. What I have experienced through this program has totally changed that. While it is a very structured and procedural industry, it is also highly collaborative and allows each person to show their creativity when solving a problem.

What advice would you give to tech companies who have or want to create and apprenticeship program?

The best advice I would give to companies with or wanting an apprenticeship program would be to be fluid and patient. Understand that not every apprentice comes into your company with the same experience. It can be overwhelming at times for those, like myself, who don’t have much in the way of formal technical education to onboard to this industry. One of the biggest things that helped me in this program was having managers and teammates that took the time to give feedback, positive and constructive. It can be like drinking from a firehose sometimes, so letting your apprentices know you are on their side goes a long way. I would also say, get to know your apprentices. Have them meet with managers and teammates and find out who they are outside of the apprenticeship, especially if they are your first, so that they know what to expect from them. Imposter syndrome is a real thing so having a fluid and patient team can make all the difference in the confidence of an apprentice.