BuildWithin

This season of gratitude, we’re shining a light on Michael Batt, Vice President of Talent at Fairfax County Economic Development Authority.??? Mike’s dedication to workforce development in Northern Virginia is inspiring to all of us at BuildWithin. From crafting initiatives that attract and retain top talent to building partnerships that enhance the region’s talent ecosystem, his work is shaping a brighter future for businesses and individuals across Virginia. Thanks to leaders like Mike, businesses can thrive, and individuals have the resources to achieve their goals. His action-oriented leadership exemplifies the impact one person can have on an entire community. #ThanksToTheChampion #BuildWithin

This Thanksgiving, we’re reflecting on what we’re most grateful for our incredible team and the employers we collaborate with. BuildWithin’s success is built on the skills, dedication, and passion each team member brings every day.??? Today, we’re giving a special shoutout to the professionals who make it all happen: Engineers - your innovative solutions to complex challenges drive our progress. Operations Team - your leadership and vision optimize our processes and ensure our solutions meet the needs of businesses and learners alike. Sales Team - your attention to detail and determination keep us moving toward our goals. Customer Success Team - your empathy and commitment to delivering value turn challenges into opportunities. Leaders from Chattanooga, Virginia, Maryland, DC, Chicago and California - your guidance inspires us to strive for excellence and achieve more together. At BuildWithin, we pride ourselves on being a skills-based organization. Titles and degrees don’t define us–the passion to learn, teach, and grow does. Together, our team of apprentices, managers, and leaders powers the future of workforce development. To our team, our partners, and our community: thank you for making this journey possible. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at BuildWithin! #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #BuilWithin Dr. Ximena Gates Hartsock Philip Minardi William L. Stephanie Baum Jennifer Gannon Nicole Redler Sara Lasner Drew Shea Yumi Choi Jessica Murillo Chyna Keene Lillian Speranza Emilia C. Liam Rathke Martin Sione Robin Escobar Peter Svartz Nikolas Nascimento Aguilar Joshua Duarte Matt Jordan Gerry Camarena Gomez Walton Robinson John P. Francisco Javier Villarroel F. Lindsey Parker Cecilia Lincolao

?? As the saying goes, "a picture is worth a thousand words." ?? Before we close our computers, bundle up our families, and head off to visit with loved ones, I want to highlight two special individuals that exemplify the power of #apprenticeships: Emily Daily and Daniela LaCelle of Unum. In her roles as AVP, IT Delivery, Daniella LaCelle has been a steadfast champion of apprenticeships. In her words, "we don’t just need people with traditional degrees; we need individuals with curiosity, resilience, and a passion for solving problems—qualities that don’t always show up on a transcript but can shine through an apprenticeship." Her impact has not only changed the lives of team members within Unum, but has been instrumental in shifting the dialogue across Hamilton County (Chattanooga), TN. Showing other employers the transformative impact on-the-job training models can have on their organizations. Her passion, knowledge, and commitment will have a lasting effect on countless people -- people like Emily Daily. Without a college degree, Emily once believed a career in tech was beyond her reach. Unable to afford a four-year college degree, she initially trained as an esthetician to make ends meet. But her true passion was always a career in technology. Determined to pursue her dream, Emily joined Unum through a temp agency in 2019, working in the group long-term care division. There, she began developing her computer skills while balancing her day-to-day responsibilities. Emily’s persistence paid off when she was offered what she calls “probably the best thing in my life”—an apprenticeship program at Unum to advance her programming skills.?She spent the ensuing year learning on the job and being mentored by leaders like Daniella and her manager Ivan Torres. Last week, Emily achieved a major milestone, earning her U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Graduate Certification. She is now a full-time Software Engineer at Unum, and the company has announced its commitment to expanding #techapprenticeship roles, creating pathways for more stories like Emily’s. Here's to Daniella, Emily, Ivan and all those working tirelessly to change lives and build a brighter and more competitive tech economy through #techapprenticeships! Walton Robinson, Lindsey Parker, Chattanooga Technology Council (ChaTech), Chattanooga 2.0, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Ximena Gates Hartsock, William L., Stephanie Baum, Linda McMahon, Keri Randolph, Tim Kelly, Weston Wamp, Andrew Hudson, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Drew Shea, Jessica Murillo, Jennifer Gannon, Tech Apprenticeships, BuildWithin, Hamilton County Department of Education, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Dr. Susan Crystal-Mansour, Ph.D., Vice President of Program Impact at the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF), is driving meaningful change in the restaurant industry. Her leadership has led to impactful programs like ProStart? and Restaurant Ready, equipping individuals with the skills needed for successful careers. Susan has also collaborated with military partners to create opportunities for veterans and military spouses, ensuring their talents are recognized and valued in the workforce. Her commitment to workforce development demonstrates the power of strategic leadership in transforming lives and industries. Thank you, Susan, for making a difference where it matters most. #WorkforceDevelopment #HospitalityCareers #LeadershipInAction #ImpactfulChange Dr. Ximena Gates Hartsock Philip Minardi William L. Chyna Keene Joshua Duarte Stephanie Baum

Season of Giving - Highlighting Courtney Harris ?? This Thanksgiving Week, we would like to recognize Courtney Harris, Contract Management at the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). Courtney’s work has been instrumental in advancing apprenticeship programs within the hospitality sector. Through her efforts, the Hospitality Sector Registered Apprenticeship (HSRA) program has: ?? Created accessible career pathways for aspiring hospitality professionals. ?? Promoted diversity and inclusion by supporting underrepresented groups like women, BIPOC, and veterans. ?? Strengthened partnerships with educational institutions and employers to align training with industry needs. ?? Provided financial resources and industry-recognized credentials to empower participants. Thank you, Courtney, for your dedication to shaping the future of the hospitality workforce. #ThanksToTheChampion #Apprenticeships #SeasonOfGiving #HospitalityTraining Dr. Ximena Gates Hartsock Philip Minardi William L. Chyna Keene

?? Calling all recruiters in Chattanooga! BuildWithin is honored to announce that we are proud sponsors of the upcoming Chattabooleans December Event! Together with our partners at AlloHire, we are excited to support this fantastic opportunity to create a vibrant local talent community. Attendees will have the chance to enjoy a free meal, engage in meaningful networking, and participate in a dynamic panel discussion on holiday hiring trends and the 2025 recruiting forecast. ?? When: December 3, 2024 (5:30 PM - 7:30 PM) ?? Where: AlloHire Arena (1271 Market Street Suite B) Recruiters, don’t miss out! Please just RSVP today through the link in the comments and join us in shaping the future of talent in Chattanooga. ?? ?? https://bit.ly/4g4WONV #BuildWithin #TalentCommunity #Recruitment #NetworkingEvent

Season of Giving - Highlighting Erin Crisp This Thanksgiving Week, we would like to recognize Erin Crisp, Ed.D., Executive Director of UT’s Tennessee Grow Your Own Center. The TN GYO Program exists to end teacher shortages in Tennessee by strengthening the educator pipeline. Nationally, GYO programs have become a leading strategy for addressing educator shortages. The distinctive of the TN GYO Program are that it: ?? Provides initial teacher licensure at low to no cost for aspiring educators. ?? Leverages registered apprenticeship as a new model for preparation. ?? Expands local partnerships to build locally contextualized solutions. ?? Increases the demographic representation of the educator workforce. Big thanks to Erin for your leadership and bold vision. #ThanksToTheChampion #Apprenticeships #SeasonOfGiving #Teacherapprenticeships

Take a look at what is happening in Hamilton County, Tennessee! In 2023 we partnered with Unum to launch their first apprenticeship in software engineering. This program was brought to life by Daniela LaCelle, Associate Vice President of IT Delivery at Unum. Having seen the apprenticeship model succeed abroad, Daniela recognized its potential and took the practical steps to implement it at Unum. Her leadership and commitment to turning a proven concept into action have opened new doors for untapped talent to thrive. One of those talents is Emily Daily. Without opportunities to attend college, Emily’s intelligence and drive to deliver excellent work were not overlooked by Unum. She just needed a chance, and Unum provided it. Through the 1 year apprenticeship, Emily gained hands-on experience, mentorship, and a pathway to a career in software engineering. Daniela and her team dedicated their time and expertise to coaching and supporting Emily. Three months ago, Emily successfully completed her apprenticeship, and Unum offered her a software engineering position, which she holds today. Now, Emily is paying it forward as a mentor to other apprentices, helping to expand the model and create more opportunities for others. In addition, four Hamilton County businesses recently launched youth apprenticeship programs, showing how this model is expanding and creating meaningful connections between education and hands-on experience. Chattanooga is at the forefront of this effort as one of five Apprenticeship Innovation Districts in the United States. Supported by Tim Kelly, Mayor Weston Wamp, the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce Chatt 2.0, Hamilton County Department of Education, and other key organizations, the city is setting a national example for aligning education with workforce needs. Big kudos to Walton Robinson and Lindsey Parker for leading the Apprenticeship Innovation District with the leadership of Keri Randolph and Andrew Hudson from Chatt. 20. We’re thrilled to be part of this movement, helping to build bridges between learning and work. https://lnkd.in/dNkNNAqv #apprenticeships #NAW2024 #skilling #buildwithin Eliana Brice?o Jessica Murillo William L. Stephanie Baum Linda McMahon Anthony J. Tata

We are honored to be the technology partner for AICPA's apprenticeship program for Accounting and Finance Associates. According to Joanne Fiore, AICPA & CIMA Vice President of Pipeline and Apprenticeships, the program responds to market feedback by helping to recruit entry-level positions and upskill individuals in these roles to add more value and achieve greater mobility. Research conducted by BuildWithin suggests a significant shortage of accountants and bookkeepers, with a gap of around 300,000 professionals compared to 2020, primarily due to workforce reshuffles and baby boomer retirements. Kudos to Joanne Fiore and AICPA for the pragmatic vision in implementing the model. #NAW2024 #skills #thankthechampion

Thank you U.S. Department of Education for highlighting two incredible members of the BuildWithin team and former apprentices, Chyna Keene and Liam Rathke during #NationalApprenticeshipWeek.