JFS celebrates National Apprenticeship Week

November 13 – 19 is National Apprenticeship Week, a nationwide celebration to build awareness and celebrate the success of apprentices. At JFS, we’re excited to highlight Kylie Riveria, our care manager assistant apprentice.

JFS is nearly one year into its Registered Apprenticeship Program, which began with two full-time, paid apprentices. Apprenticeship programs are instrumental in helping employers recruit and develop a skilled workforce to support their business. The JFS program involves building new skills through hands-on experiences, classroom learning, on-the-job training, certificate opportunities, and a goal to earn a full-time JFS position at the end of the year-long program.

For the past 10 months, Kylie has worked to cultivate meaningful relationships with clients and staff. She has her own caseload and manages the Pantry Delivery program, works at the Community Table Lunch program after picking up food from Shalom Park, and is eager to jump in wherever work is needed. Kylie also earned her Certified Senior Advisor certificate, which means she joins more than 2,700 professionals across the United States who can use their knowledge of the aging process to identify the best options and solutions for the individual needs of older adults to improve their lives. Older adult client, Bobbi, shared that Kylie “helped me one time when I didn’t have rent money, she worked hard for that. She’s really great to work with.”

“I have always loved working with older adults and doing community outreach,” shared Kylie. “With this program, I have support, mentorship with a great team, and additional training opportunities to learn and grow. I’ve participated in DEI and ageism trainings, and, as part of my community outreach work, I gave a presentation for the Denver Housing Authority, shared information about JFS, and even recruited clients.”

For employers like JFS, some of the benefits of having an apprenticeship program include:

·       Recruiting and developing employees with the right skills for the agency.

·       Improving productivity.

·       Filling a skills/needs shortage.

·       Increasing employee retention.

“Kylie has made an incredible difference since day one,” shared Care Manager Eve Lowinger. “She has a strong work ethic, and team members and clients rely on her. Kylie is doing just what a traditional staff member does—she is a part of the team, and no one wants her to leave.”

Apprentices like Kylie are making a difference throughout the community, and her work at JFS has not only been fulfilling, but it is also helping us meet our mission of improving the lives of individuals and families in need throughout Colorado. It’s an honor to recognize Kylie during National Apprenticeship Week.