Apprentice and Supervisor Spotlight: Yoan and Charlotte

Amazon Supervisor Charlotte Collins (left) and Amazon Apprentice Yoan Gebremedhin (right)

Yoan Gebremedhin, a graduate of Arlington Public Schools (APS), is a second-year CareerWise Apprentice in Finance Operations at Amazon HQ2 AND a freshman at George Mason University. Yoan's path at Amazon began in her junior year in high school through Periscope, an Amazon-run summer internship program with APS that introduced her to finance career pathways, and then was hired in her senior year as a two-year finance operations apprentice. . Her supervisor, Charlotte Collins, serves as Senior Program Manager for Community Engagement within Amazon's Finance Operations Project Management Office, part of the company's broader Finance, Global Business Services (FGBS) organization. With a background in community engagement, Charlotte has spent over two decades working in youth development and has been supervising Yoan since the fall of 2024. Together, they offer a dual perspective on what it means to grow and mentor in a large corporate environment through apprenticeship. Here is our Q&A with Yoan and Charlotte:

Yoan Gebremedhin, Amazon Apprentice

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

I was part of the inaugural cohort of FGBS Periscope, a summer educational program that introduced me to Amazon and the various finance career pathways available. When the program ended, I learned about the apprenticeship opportunity. I applied because I wanted to stay with Amazon and gain real-world experience that would bridge my academic studies with my career aspirations in FinTech. Being on Periscope became a pipeline to my current role, where I went from learning about finance careers at Amazon to now working on the program itself as an apprentice.

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

Before joining, I thought working in a major tech company or corporate environment would be intimidating, especially being surrounded by professionals much older and more experienced than me. Still, I knew I didn't want to limit my capabilities. My perspective has completely shifted. I've grown comfortable in the workspace and can interact confidently, express my opinions, and feel genuinely heard. I've learned to approach challenges with critical thinking, find creative solutions to problems, and work collaboratively with my team. Combining these skills has shown me that I can be an effective team member and make an impact.

What's one technical skill (e.g., coding, specific software, equipment operation) you are developing during your apprenticeship? 

I'm developing my coding and web development skills through building and maintaining an internal website/platform for Amazon Future FGBS Leader (AFFL). I've learned to work with HTML source code and web markup to create multiple interconnected pages that serve as a central resource hub for understanding the program. This on-the-job experience has taught me not just coding fundamentals, but how to think about user experience and make information accessible and easy to navigate.

What's one soft skill (e.g., communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management) you are developing?

I'm developing my project management and detail-oriented skills. Working on large-scale projects that span from initial concept to final delivery has taught me the importance of precision at every stage. For example, when developing comprehensive brand materials and program resources, I learned to manage approval cycles, incorporate feedback effectively, and maintain consistency across multiple deliverables. This experience has shown me that successful project execution requires careful planning, clear communication, and the ability to adapt while keeping the end goal in focus.

During your apprenticeship thus far, what project, task, or achievement are you most proud of? 

I'm most proud of leading the development of a complete brand identity system and creating program resources for diverse audiences, from students to employee volunteers. This work included updating all aspects of our program's visual identity and developing materials that directly impact our communities worldwide. What made it meaningful was knowing it brings lasting value and that by combining creativity with technical skills, I make a real difference in how we serve our community.

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

One significant challenge was learning to work on large-scale, multi-phase projects, where I initially struggled with the level of detail and coordination needed to move projects from start to finish. I overcame this by embracing a mindset of continuous learning and improvement by seeking feedback, being open to revisions, and understanding that great work often requires multiple rounds of refinement. I also learned to break down complex projects into manageable phases, which helped me stay organized even when facing setbacks. 

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

I've learned that I'm much more capable than I initially believed, especially in contributing meaningfully to professional environments and projects. This experience has inspired me to continue advocating for young women of color in tech, encouraging them to pursue ambitious career paths without limiting themselves. 

How has earning money from the apprenticeship impacted/influenced you and/or your family? 

This apprenticeship has opened significant networking opportunities and provided income since my senior year, enabling me to build my skills and gain professional experience while pursuing my education. The connections I've made and the financial independence I've gained have both been essential to my growth by giving me access to mentors, industry insights, and the focus I need to develop my career. 

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

I've always been passionate about engineering, and this apprenticeship has sparked a newfound passion for finance. Discovering FinTech and how these fields converge has been transformative in my understanding of how engineering can revolutionize finance.

What are your plans after you complete your apprenticeship this fall? 

I plan to complete my Computer Engineering degree at George Mason University. I want to find roles that allow me to leverage and improve both my engineering education and financial operations experience. Long-term, I aspire to leadership positions where I can drive innovation in financial technology while also mentoring and empowering youth in my community. 

How would you describe yourself before the apprenticeship versus now? What's changed?

Before this apprenticeship, I was uncertain about my ability to contribute in professional settings alongside experienced professionals. Now, I'm confident and proactive, comfortable advocating for my ideas and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. 

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

While gaining real-world experience is also common in internships and part-time jobs, apprenticeships are an investment in the student. We get on-the-job training, the opportunity to create our own significant works, and the chance to see projects from start to finish. This ownership allowed me to develop deeper expertise and become a better professional in ways that my previous short-term roles did not.

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

Beyond the immediate contributions, organizations hosting apprentices help shape the next generation of professionals while gaining a team member who's motivated, adaptable, and eager to prove themselves. By hosting an apprentice, you create a lasting impact for both the apprentice and your organization.

Charlotte Collins, Amazon Supervisor

How did you first get involved in supervising a CareerWise DC apprentice? What made you say yes? 

My involvement in supervising a CareerWise DC apprentice naturally grew from my leadership of Amazon Future FGBS Leader (AFFL). The school-to-career educational initiative empowers students through financial literacy education and hands-on career development. I had heard about the apprenticeship program from colleagues who supported it internally at Amazon, and when the opportunity arose to take on an apprentice, I immediately embraced it. What made this particularly special was that Yoan (my apprentice) had already participated in one of the programs I run through AFFL, so supervising her apprenticeship allowed me to continue our working relationship and witness her continued growth in a new capacity.

How has the apprentice changed over the course of their apprenticeship?

I'm in a unique position to observe Yoan's transformation. I've had the privilege of working with her since her participation in FGBS Periscope, one of my AFFL programs, which means I've witnessed her growth over multiple years. Throughout her apprenticeship, she has truly embodied our leadership principles at Amazon. Most notably, she has taken increased ownership of her projects, demonstrating initiative and accountability. What makes her development particularly meaningful is that she's now working on the very programs she once participated in as a student, which has created a deep personal investment in the work and brought an invaluable perspective to our team.

Can you share a specific moment where you saw the apprentice apply or strengthen skills on the job? 

A standout example of Yoan's skill development was her taking the lead on a comprehensive design refresh of AFFL branding from start to finish. This end-to-end project demonstrated her ability to manage complex initiatives independently, apply creative problem-solving, and deliver professional results that directly impact our program's identity and reach.

What has surprised you most about working with your apprentice? 

While I wouldn't characterize it as surprising, what I deeply appreciate about working with Yoan is her remarkable ability to learn new skills quickly and put them into practice immediately. This rapid learning-to-application cycle has been consistently impressive, allowing her to contribute meaningfully to our initiatives with minimal ramp-up time.

What does your apprentice contribute to your organization that you did not anticipate when you first took on the role of supervisor? 

Yoan's creativity has been an unexpected gift to our organization. She brings a unique and invaluable lens to our work, having previously been a participant in one of our programs. More broadly, as someone the same age as many of our students, she offers authentic insights into their perspectives, challenges, and aspirations, helping us design programming that is more relevant and impactful. This peer-level understanding has enriched our approach in ways I hadn't fully anticipated.

How has supervising an apprentice shaped how you approach mentorship, management, or talent development within your organization? 

Having worked in youth development for over 20 years across all age brackets, I've consistently found that there is always something to learn from young people. Supervising an apprentice has specifically helped me simplify how I share information—it's encouraged me to communicate more clearly, eliminate unnecessary jargon, and ensure that knowledge transfer is accessible and actionable. This refinement in my communication approach has benefited not only my work with Yoan but also my broader management and mentorship practices.

How does hosting a CareerWise DC apprentice connect to your organization's broader hiring or workforce goals? 

One of the primary aims of AFFL is to increase the number of young people interested in careers in Business, Finance, and Accounting. The profession is far more diverse and expansive than most people realize—there are numerous roles within this job function that young people don't know exist. Hosting an apprentice serves a dual purpose: it exposes more young people to the breadth of opportunities in our profession, while simultaneously helping us better understand their experiences, perspectives, and considerations as they think about their career trajectories. This two-way learning strengthens both our talent pipeline and our program design.

How has their time with your organization prepared them beyond apprenticeship? 

Yoan's apprenticeship experience has equipped her with practical, transferable skills that extend well beyond her time with our organization. She has developed professional competencies in project management, creative design, stakeholder communication, and program coordination. Perhaps most importantly, she has gained real-world experience working within a large corporate environment, understanding organizational culture, and navigating complex initiatives. Her hands-on involvement in programs that impact students like herself has also deepened her understanding of youth development and community engagement—skills that will serve her regardless of which career path she ultimately pursues. The ownership and initiative she's demonstrated throughout her apprenticeship have built her confidence and established a strong foundation for future professional success. 

What would you say to another professional who is considering becoming an apprentice supervisor for the first time? 

I encourage any professional considering supervising an apprentice to embrace the opportunity wholeheartedly. Supervising an apprentice is not just about what you can teach—it's a reciprocal relationship where you'll learn just as much from your apprentice as they learn from you. Young people bring fresh perspectives, creativity, and insights that can challenge your assumptions and improve your work. Yes, it requires an investment of time and intentional mentorship. Still, the rewards are substantial: you'll contribute to someone's career development, gain a valuable team member who brings unique contributions to your organization, and refine your own leadership and communication skills in the process. If you have the capacity and commitment to support someone's growth, the experience is incredibly fulfilling and beneficial for both parties.

What do you know now about youth apprenticeship that you did not know before you started? 

The continuity and depth of the apprenticeship model allow for more substantial skill development and relationship building than traditional internships typically achieve. Unlike shorter-term internships, where young people are often just getting oriented, apprenticeships provide the time and structure for apprentices to move beyond basic tasks and take genuine ownership of complex projects. This extended engagement creates space for deeper mentorship, allows supervisors to invest in more sophisticated skill-building, and enables apprentices to see projects through from conception to completion—which builds both competence and confidence in ways that compressed experiences simply cannot replicate.