Apprentice Spotlight: Axel

Axel Orellana, a member of the CareerWise DC Class of 2026 and junior at the University of the District of Columbia, is currently a software development apprentice at Limbic Systems, where he supports government contract work. We sat down with the 2022 Capital City Public Charter School and Genesys Works graduate to hear more about his apprenticeship experience and the path that led him there.

What inspired you to apply and join the apprenticeship program?

My goals were to gain work experience in my field while pursuing my Bachelor's in Computer Engineering. With high layoff cycles and economic uncertainty, having the apprenticeship puts me at ease since it protects me from such financial problems.

What do you accomplish in your apprenticeship?

In my apprenticeship, I program an application while making sure that new programming standards and technology like AI can be used. 

As for my duties at Limbic, I primarily work on the prototyping stage of new projects, system diagnostics, software testing, and market research. I also work closely with teams that handle confidential information and follow strict protocols to ensure that both our data and our clients’ data remain secure.

How is this experience different from an internship you or someone else might have had?

It's different because it allows me to see the entire process of a project cycle, giving me an inside perspective of the programming world. My old internships were short-term, and they sometimes had us do mock projects, which didn't give us enough time to move up with responsibilities due to the time frame limitations.

This apprenticeship has shaped my career goals by making them more ambitious. Since I know more about what to expect from my field, I can create my own programs and one day even start a tech company in DC.

My future career goal is to become a tech executive or start my own tech company with a headquarters in DC.

How has this experience impacted your confidence or sense of purpose?

It has allowed me to be more confident in making decisions and having conversations about technology and leadership. It has also reinforced my motivation to give back to others, especially the DC community.

What support systems (school flexibility, employer mentorship, CareerWise DC staff, etc.) made your experience possible?

My employer has allowed me to have flexible work hours since I am in college, but they also have allowed me to learn at my own pace. CareerWise DC has provided the apprenticeship and mentorship which has allowed me to stay on track with my goals and even helped me find ways to access emergency funds for times of food insecurity and transportation.

My supervisor and Limbic CEO, Marullus Williams, has played a significant role in shaping my apprenticeship experience and my current & future goals. His guidance and feedback have helped me grow both technically and professionally. He has consistently created an environment where I feel supported to ask questions, take initiative, and tackle challenges with confidence. Whenever I feel unsure about a topic, he encourages me to do my research using his training materials, pursue relevant certifications, and ask as many questions as I need. He always takes the time to ensure I fully understand what I need to do.

What do you think the DC government can do to make apprenticeship more accessible to more students like you?

Promote and allow students to be able to leave early or work online at school for their apprenticeship. Even consider giving high school credit hours if they can prove an apprenticeship or internship is related to a school course.

What advice would you give to future apprentices?

Take it seriously, treat it like a job, act professional, and always ask questions. You are supposed to learn but if you leave a good image then more opportunities will come.

What’s one moment or experience from your apprenticeship that you’ll never forget?

My interview and getting accepted for my apprenticeship, it was a very emotional moment for me because it showed me that there is hope for me to succeed.