March is Women’s History Month and time to recognize history-changers and firsts in our community. There are several “firsts” when it comes to Nicole Broadnax, the City of Syracuse’s first Registered Apprentice in the Software Developer trade.
This is a first for MACNY, The Manufacturer’s Association, too. As a Software Developer Apprentice, Nicole is the first Registered Apprentice in the Information Technology trade. As a group sponsor for Advanced Manufacturing trades since 2017, in addition to Software Developer, MACNY has added many other trades to their offerings. The City of Syracuse has signed under MACNY’s group sponsorship to manage its first Registered Apprenticeship program. This effort is part of a larger workforce development strategy that focuses on training and attracting local community members to its talent pool.
When asked what advice she’d give to current high school students who don’t know what their post-secondary plans are, Broadnax asserted, “There are so many generational barriers that can get in the way of your success. For example, “imposter syndrome” – you may question your knowledge and experience. But understand that you worked hard to get here, and you do deserve a seat at the table.” She also said that she hadn’t heard about apprenticeship pathways in high school (except for those centered around cosmetology); programs for technical roles in IT were not presented.
We applaud Nicole’s achievement and look forward to the day when she attains Journey Worker status at the end of her training and education. Her story also reminds us that there are others out there just like Nicole who need to hear from their teachers, guidance professionals, and community partners about career pathways that include alternate routes. University is great, but it’s not necessarily the pathway for everyone. Registered Apprenticeship is an opportunity for others like Nicole who would thrive in an earn-while-you-learn training program, achieving credentials, and job prospects that make rewarding careers.
