"I was like, 'What do you mean, I can actually work and take some classes?' I didn't even know there were apprenticeships out there, because I thought it was something of the past. That was my dream-to go into some field of engineering-so it was great to find something like AT&T, which has an apprenticeship program where you can jump into it, which later becomes software engineering."
"Three years later, Dave has a full-time job, a national credential in IT and a federal security clearance. He's also looking to pursue a master's degree with tuition reimbursement from his employer. It's given me a great opportunity to get my foot in the door. You make a difference, contribute to the organization, and then the sky's the limit."
Sumeet Dave spent 20 years pursuing various educational and career paths, including military service, aerospace engineering studies, and allied health credentials, but faced persistent employment barriers. After years of underemployment in pharmacy and other roles, a conversation at Howard Community College introduced him to AT&T's apprenticeship program in information technology. Through this three-year apprenticeship, Dave secured full-time employment, earned a national IT credential, obtained a federal security clearance, and positioned himself for software engineering advancement. His employer now offers tuition reimbursement for graduate studies. Dave's experience demonstrates how apprenticeships can bridge career transitions and provide practical opportunities for individuals struggling with traditional educational pathways.
#apprenticeships #career-transition #it-skills-training #alternative-education-pathways #workforce-development
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