Apprentice Spotlight: Freddie

Eastern Senior High School 2024 graduate Freddie Rollinson joined the CityWorks DC apprenticeship program uncertain about his post-high school path, and found a space to grow into his potential. During his time at Apprenticeships for America, starting October 2024, he transformed from a shy, hardworking individual who avoided the spotlight into a confident young professional who thrives in public speaking and professional environments. Along the way, he overcame personal challenges, built a strong reputation with his team, and discovered the power of blocking out negativity to focus on his goals. At Apprenticeships for America, Freddie serves as a Business Operations Associate, managing the records of individuals and organizations within the AFA database, providing financial coordination for invoicing, and overseeing multiple AFA webpages and channels, as well as offering customer support and communications. In this Q&A, Freddie reflects on the skills, relationships, and self-discoveries that shaped his apprenticeship experience.

What inspired you to apply and join the apprenticeship program? How did you first hear about it?

I was inspired because of the good experience I had at my CareerBridge internship during high school earlier that year. And I received an email from my alumni portal that I could apply for an apprenticeship after I had graduated. I was always kind of on the fence about whether or not college was for me, but my apprenticeship would allow for me to go to college and work as well.

Before joining the apprenticeship, what were your thoughts about the industry you're working in? Has that changed?

I was already interested in business and data management, so the field I’m in suits my skillset. But apprenticeship wasn’t ever a topic discussed in school or amongst me and my peers aside from just construction trades, like the CareerBridge internship I mentioned. Being at Apprenticeships for America, an organization whose sole purpose is to boost the national apprenticeship economy. And on top of being the apprentice for this organization, it’s definitely put me at the center of a growing attention towards my industry. I never expected to be in a position like this, and honestly, I’m grateful I read my inbox that day.

What's one technical skill you are developing during your apprenticeship?

I’m improving my technical skills every day through Microsoft software, Toucantech, Clickup, and payroll service apps. Obtaining a greater comfortability with document management, analyzing data, record keeping, and customer/membership management. I manage the records of individuals and organizations within our database when it comes to webinars, summit registration, membership subscriptions, etc.

What's one soft skill you are developing?

Communication is definitely one I’ve seen major growth in. I’ve always been pretty introverted, but now I’m seeing myself attend meetings and public speaking events without hesitation. The team I have at my apprenticeship has always been supportive of my growth and networking opportunities.

During your apprenticeship experience thus far, what project, task, or achievement are you most proud of? What made it meaningful to you?

I’d say I’m most proud of my good standing reputation, not just as an apprentice but as a person. It’s all a testament to my hard work. And the organization I’m with is fairly new, with such a small team, but that’s exactly why my work makes me feel like I’m making a change.

Can you share a challenge or obstacle you've faced during your apprenticeship and how you overcame it?

The hardest challenge I overcame was mental health. It isn’t talked about a lot, especially in my community, and primarily when it comes to young men. It weighed down on me a lot and eventually brought down my work capacity for a while due to personal issues going on in my life. I overcame that, and even got my first apartment, and I feel more at peace in my own space.

What's something you've learned about yourself through this apprenticeship that you didn't know before?

I’ve learned that all that anxiety I thought was pulling me down was just due to the doubts I hear from others. Blocking out negativity from other people is what really helps me prevail at honestly anything I work hard enough for. That can be when it comes to my social or even work confidence.

How has this apprenticeship shaped or influenced your career goals? Are you considering a different path than you were before?

My apprenticeship has influenced my career goals by allowing me to see how many options there are out there. I’d prefer to finish out this apprenticeship and stay with the organization, but I understand that isn’t always an option. Hence why I’ve built a network of resources for myself to find employment afterward. Along with the immense help of my staff members. I definitely would prefer to keep a role similar to my current one, but I may eventually switch industries.

What are your plans after you complete your apprenticeship?

I plan to go full-time at my organization. I’m also currently studying certification courses related to my field (project management, data analytics).

How would you describe yourself before the apprenticeship versus after/during the apprenticeship? What's changed?

I’d describe myself as a shy, hard worker who mostly stayed out of the spotlight. And now I see myself not being able to stay out of it. And it feels pretty great to have that much trust in my capabilities from others.

Why do you think apprenticeships are valuable compared to other options like internships or traditional part-time jobs?

Apprenticeships offer on-the-job paid training for normally 2-3 years, and typically people get hired full-time, which increases their hours and hourly wage by the end. Internships hardly ever have benefits this great. And a traditional part-time job can always fire and hire someone new. An apprenticeship is about taking someone and building their skills to be a powerhouse for the organization or field they’re in. It’s especially beneficial, but not limited to, youth who have struggled getting into college.

What would you say to an employer who's considering hosting an apprentice?

I would tell them to prepare to be almost like a secondary parent figure. Treat the apprentice as if you would want your own kin to be treated as a new employee at a job they may not be familiar with. Apprentice and employer bonds grow significantly when it’s an educational and nurturing routine. Now this doesn’t mean literally baby them; just ensure you are patient and take your time with things long enough for them to be proficient. Because proficiency eventually becomes perfect.