As we celebrate Women in Apprenticeship today during National Apprenticeship Week, we wanted to highlight two of our newest Apprenticeship Navigators in the region. Meet Gloria Fallini, Apprenticeship Program Specialist and Ashlee Phillips, Manager of Workforce Partnerships at Philadelphia Works Inc. Both Gloria and Ashlee participated in the fifth cohort of the Registered Apprenticeship Navigator Apprenticeship program, sponsored by the Keystone Development Partnership. We asked them a few questions to summarize their experience in the program.
Q: What was the best part of the Apprenticeship Navigator program?
Gloria: “The best parts of the program for me were the in-depth, well-structured, and engaging RTI sessions that allowed for space to share ideas, ask questions, and connect with both peers and professionals in the apprenticeship system. I also appreciated the value of and opportunity to expand my network in both workforce development and the apprenticeship ecosystem, learning from fellow Navigators and apprenticeship programs across the Commonwealth.”
Ashlee: “The navigator program has truly opened my eyes to other opportunities to leverage apprenticeship knowledge in my day-to-day work. This includes a desire to take a deeper dive into apprenticeship topics, and to become well versed enough to communicate pathways and opportunities to employers and partners.”
Q: How has the program benefitted your day-to-day operations in your role?
G: “The program has added huge value to my role and day-to-day job tasks and responsibilities, accelerating my knowledge of apprenticeship with the “earn while you learn” model. The program has taught me best practices in multiple areas of my current role including stakeholder engagement, building strong work relationships, project management, and others that are integral to my success in this role and to the success of our Apprenticeship team initiatives. I am grateful to have participated in this program – I believe it has enhanced my role making me more efficient and knowledgeable in working with key partners, employers, and the community in developing and expanding registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships in the Southeastern Pennsylvania region.”
A: “The program has increased my awareness and highlighted the way that apprenticeships can help the communities and industries that we serve. It showcases that everyone can benefit from the apprenticeship model.”
Q: What is one thing you would tell others (co-workers, family, the community) about apprenticeship?
G: “Apprenticeship is truly a unique and effective way to become trained and skilled in an occupation that leads to a family-sustaining career. My personal experience as an apprentice has shown me that a structured program involving on-the-job training, related technical instruction, and strong mentoring, has led me to not only become fully educated, trained, and knowledgeable in my work, but has also allowed me to see the systems-level change that apprenticeship can have on workforce development.”
A: “Don’t limit yourself to traditional pathways to education or employment. Constantly explore the opportunities and find the best way that works for you. Finances should not be an obstacle to finding a career that helps sustain one’s family.”
Q: If someone is interested in this program, what would you encourage them to do or think about prior to applying for the program?
G: “I would encourage others considering this program, to think about the impact they would like to have in apprenticeship – how would they see their role contributing to apprenticeship on a grander scale? The Apprenticeship Navigator program is one that pushes apprentices to bring forth ideas and share insight, all while learning from other professionals and apprentices alike.”
A: “There has to be a desire to want more knowledge and to be comfortable with not knowing. Coming in with a healthy appetite for knowledge will always be a good starting point.”
To learn more about our navigators and the Registered Apprenticeship Navigator program, click here.