As we progress and grow from children into adults, there is a natural learning curve that accompanies each age, grade, and overall human experience. When preparing to transition from academia to the career world, a foundation of knowledge exists, yet there is still a lot of learning and maturing to be done.  

Having an actual career opportunity, such as an apprenticeship, allows for a deeper dive into a skillset or area of interest during the years of higher education. This type of opportunity is an effective, empowering, and advantageous way to gain an edge in one’s chosen field. Think of an apprenticeship as a ‘pre-game’ look at what the future holds; it provides insight into how to transition a current career plan into the one that is ultimately desired – and what needs to be done to get there.  

Through mentorship, support, and encouragement, participating in an apprentice program is a great way to get a leg-up on launching one’s career. 

Beneficial Jumpstart

Becoming an apprentice offers an opportunity to earn a paycheck while learning skills through on-the-job training. Unlike an intern, who works for free or a small income while receiving minimal formal training, apprentices are trained and prepared for jobs, and the expectations that businesses require. Much is gained through both the experience and the income.  

Honing skillsets and fresh talent through a low-cost training program provides a myriad of benefits. American companies benefit by having a pool of solid candidates to mold and empower into highly skilled workers. Apprenticeships also grow the economy by making businesses and employees more competitive. 

A study cited by the Partnership on Inclusive Apprenticeship (PIA) shows that 94% of people who earned a job through an apprenticeship program remained with the company one to two years later. Jumpstarting a career through an apprenticeship program will provide: 

• A paid job 
• Acquisition of new skills and credentials 
• Financial support through earning higher, competitive wages 
• Career opportunity and advancement 
• Mentorship
• Education integrated with experience

Participants in apprenticeship programs have the opportunity to learn industry best practices. Through mentorships, apprentices are trained to meet the expectations of the company, increasing the alignment between their skills and the needs of the employer. On-the-job experience integrated with education provides a full perspective and the opportunity to apply what is learned in school to a professional, working role.  

Experience the Cayuse Apprenticeship Program

The Cayuse Apprenticeship Program is inclusively designed to help CTUIR college students attain a degree and work towards a career at Cayuse. Apprentices gain work experience through a part-time job at Cayuse, receive financial support for college, and work with professional staff on a guided career path.  

Erica Alvarez is the Marketing Apprentice for Cayuse Commercial Services. The program was brought to her attention through an email she received from the CTUIR Higher Education Manager.  

Erica’s goals are to complete her major in Business Administration with a minor in Digital Marketing. “This program aligns with my goals because I want to eventually be in the marketing industry. I want to know more about it. I want to learn the different areas I can grow and what will be the best fit for me in the future when I graduate.”  She saw the program as a great opportunity to fund her expenses while learning and building professional relationships. 

Erica explained that the online apprenticeship application process is easy to maneuver. The application requests information such as tribal member number, resume, background, and interests. After two interviews, Erica was accepted into the program and scheduled to begin in conjunction with her upcoming term of schooling.  

In order to be eligible for the Cayuse Apprenticeship Program, an applicant must: 

• Be an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR)
• Be enrolled in college currently or in the coming school year
• Be able and willing to work for Cayuse part-time in tandem with completing college course work
• Be interested in a career in business, compliance/legal, facilities, finance, human resources, information technology support, marketing, or recruiting/talent acquisition

Supportive and rewarding, Cayuse recognizes that school is first priority and is willing to work around school schedules to promote success, accomplishment, and graduation.

Education Plus Career

The Cayuse apprenticeship program aligns with the company motto, ‘Grow the company, Grow the people’. Apprenticeships offer a valuable way to engage in career development while completing higher education, and through participation, students gain a competitive edge in the job market and set themselves up for long-term success. 

As an apprentice, Erica would like to share one piece of advice for others who are interested in the Cayuse Apprenticeship Program, “Take advantage of the opportunity. People want to help people that want to help themselves. You won’t know about opportunities unless you start building relationships and ask”.