Graduate Profile: Freddie Rollinson
Freddie Rollinson didn’t set out to become a spokesperson for apprenticeships–he set out to learn business operations. But somewhere between fiscal audits and membership system launches, the Eastern Senior High School 2024 graduate found himself speaking on panels and sitting on the Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeship (PAYA) Youth Council. As a CareerWise DC apprentice, Freddie worked upwards of 2,000 hours and earned up to $40,000, all while working toward three certifications: data analytics, association project management, and certified nonprofit accountant. Today, having spent the last two years at Apprenticeships for America (AFA) as a Business Operations Associate, Freddie reflects on how far that path has taken him.
From Novice to Advocate
Freddie describes himself walking in as “eager to learn,” but a complete novice to the industry. By the end, that had changed on every front. “The people, the techniques, the specific skills, and the professionalism all shaped who I became,” he said. That growth eventually carried him somewhere he never expected: speaking on panels and joining youth advocacy councils.
An Employer Who Treated Him as More Than an Apprentice
Freddie points to his employer as the single biggest influence on his apprenticeship. His supervisor and boss, John Colborn, Executive Director of AFA, supported him through personal pressures that at times affected his work, and critically, treated him as an equal to the rest of the staff rather than someone still proving himself. That equal footing built his confidence, and confidence built his skillset.
Real Work, Real Responsibility
Freddie’s day-to-day centered on data management and record keeping, but his fingerprints are on bigger projects too: fiscal audits, two years of Annual Summit registration, and launching and managing the organization’s membership system. Of everything, he’s proudest of a milestone beyond the job description–gaining enough credibility to speak publicly about apprenticeship and join national advocacy work. As a member of the CareerWise DC Speaker’s Bureau, he has put that credibility to use, regularly representing youth apprentices across the region, most recently as a featured speaker at this year’s annual CareerWise apprenticeship graduation ceremony for his peers, parents, employers, community members, and staff.
A steady paycheck changed more than Freddie's bank account. It enabled him to get his own apartment at 19 years old and start building credit and savings without leaning on his parents — a step he says "drove me further toward my independence as I became an adult." He was also able to take advantage of the company’s retirement benefits, and contribute to a vested 401k account that he can carry with him into the future.
Looking Ahead
Freddie’s next step is to put his certifications in business operations, data analysis, and project management to use in a new role, with his mentor and employer already planning a process to help make the transition smooth.
"I would love to combine my experience and interests in both operations and mechanics to find the right career space for me,” says Freddie. “Once I complete my project management and data analytics certifications, I want to secure a job where I can be a part of projects for an industry leader."
Freddie's journey reflects what CityWorks DC apprenticeships are built to do: give young people the time, mentorship, and deep work experience to grow not only their skills, but their sense of who they want to become. To learn more about how CityWorks DC helps young people build careers through hands-on learning, visit cityworksdc.org/programs.
