Reskilling Veterans, Forging a Pathway from Apprenticeship to Employee Ownership

Meet Carlos R. , Founder of the Parachute Group

At Parachute, apprenticeships and analytics drive success through integrated solutions that prioritize business objectives and streamline workflows. Our goal is to deliver projects on time and within budget through mentorship, best practices, and teamwork. EdTech+: The Ultimate Learning and IT Partnership

What is your personal/professional story?

I am leading a movement to unlock the vast potential of digital technology. As a third-generation trades apprentice and veteran, I have a visceral understanding of how digital technologies impact frontline workers.

My commitment is clear: to maintain quality, foster collaboration, and ensure consistency.

My mission is measured: to guide organizations into the digital era with tailored, scalable, and secure solutions.

My values in vision: to empower human potential through automation and innovation.

I have been an apprentice for the Sheet Metal Workers' International Association, a Technical Program Manager for the United States Air Force, and before I founded the Parachute Group in 2019, I was an Operations Program Manager for Boeing Intelligence & Analytics.

What key moments in your life led you to where you are today?

I'm a third-generation trades apprentice and a first-generation college student. As a combat veteran, transitioning from military service in 2012 was tough. On the surface, I seemed successful with a corporate career, adjunct professor role, and community involvement. But beneath that facade were overlooked mental health issues. In 2016, I faced them, seeking help from the VA. Their diagnosis of combat-related PTSD and a TBI reshaped my self-perception, launching years of therapy to understand the impact of war and trauma.

In 2019, an ADHD diagnosis gave me hope. This led to the founding of Parachute Group, an IT Managed Services company aiming to offer technical expertise and digital solutions to underrepresented businesses. In 2023, the Department of Labor approved Parachute's Registered Apprenticeship Program, dedicated to reskilling veterans and forging a pathway from apprenticeship to employee ownership.

Where does your passion to serve come from?

I'm grateful for life and the chance to face tough times, recognize my flaws and rise again with the help of mentors and support. Through life's journey, I've fought harder than necessary in pursuit of education and opportunities. These battles, both internal and against America's foes, have given me a profound understanding of hope, humanity, and health.

How can GlobalMindED help you reach your goals?

I have an obligation to support veterans seeking purpose, myself among them.?

GlobalMindED is proud of all of the veterans we work with. We will share many of their stories in November as we celebrate and honor Veteran's Day all month.