Local students are getting a taste of what it’s like to work in their hometowns. A collaboration that includes various businesses and organizations, the West End Apprentice Program is in its biggest year yet. April Montgomery, representative of the Telluride Foundation, who sponsors and oversees the program, said this marks a decade of creating the apprenticeships, and it’s a program she’s happy to see continue.
“The Telluride Foundation is proud to support the West End Apprenticeship Program, now in its 10th year,” she said. “This apprenticeship program has become a strong collaboration that includes the foundation, West End Economic Development Corporation, Norwood and Nucla high schools, and local businesses.”
Carla Reams, human resources professional in the West End, has been the administrator of the program since 2018. She connects Norwood and Nucla’s juniors and seniors, placing them in work environments that align with something they’re studying and interested in. Reams told the Forum the criteria is that students have to have completed their general courses, which allows them time during the school day to earn credit for working. Student must be enrolled in a class or working toward a certification in something similar to where they’d like to apprentice.
Brylea Butler, a student at Norwood high school, already obtained her certified nursing assistant certificate, and has been apprenticing with the Uncompahgre Medical Center. Similarly, another student has been placed with Basin Clinic in Naturita.
Three students are working with Norwood Fire Protection District as part of the apprentice program, and they’re currently receiving trainings and certifications, participating in fire academies. Reese Elwood, who has a goal of working in veterinary medicine, is apprenticing at San Miguel Vet in Norwood. A few more teens are learning the art of graphic design at both HnH Signs and also Split Rock Printworks, both of Nucla.
Britt Hoff, owner of HnH Signs, has been a part of the apprenticeship program since its inception. She said it’s grown in success. While grant funds cover up to eight hours of weekly work, she covers if her students exceed that. She’s got teens learning to make vinyl signs and embellish apparel with vinyl, bling or embroidery. With her, students learn how to paint and use the 3-D printer and laser machine. She said she teaches them to make their own designs, but then lets them work on paid jobs.
“I give a recommendation when they go off to college,” she said, “so they can work at a sign or T-shirt shop while going to school.”
Reams said in instances where it’s hard to find an employer in an area that aligns with a student’s study interests, they can be placed within the school structure. For Tennessee Richardson, who’d like to own and operate her own bakery, West End Public Schools is allowing her to assist kitchen staff. Another teen is apprenticing with the Nucla school’s maintenance department.
And, with both Jackson McCabe and Maria Camacho having interests in criminal justice, Reams was able to place them with Montrose County’s and San Miguel County’s sheriff’s offices, respectively.
“The apprenticeship program gives students the real-life experience of working in a profession where they can then know whether or not that’s a direction they’d like to go after high school,” Reams said. “It also provides an opportunity for the region to grow their own workforce, especially if students want to stay or come back to this area. It’s a great program, and I’m happy to play a small part.”
A grant made possible by Westmeath Foundation, the Telluride Foundation manages and distributes funds, helping employers pay students minimum wage. Their apprenticeships run per semester, following the school calendar. Students are with the employer during a portion of their school day through the week.
Reams said sometimes teens want to be placed with a particular employer, but it doesn’t align with any class they’re in or certification they’re taking. Counselors can still find work-study opportunities for those students. In this way, students can get learning experience, but in an unpaid situation.
Montgomery said during the recent West End Vision Plan process, those who participated stressed the importance of providing local youth with opportunities, work experience and life skills.
“The apprenticeship program does exactly that,” she said, “providing lasting value to the students and the regional workforce. The program continues to grow, and this year we have 15 students and 12 different businesses and work opportunities.”
