INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — EmployIndy is helping high school students explore future careers and get paid in the process with the Modern Apprenticeship Program (MAP).

Organizers say MAP is a three-year career-connected learning experience that matches high school students with local employers in high-growth, in-demand industries.

During their time in the program, apprentices earn their high school diploma, college credits, relevant credentials, and professional experience. Employers fill key roles today while building their talent pipeline for the future by taking a lead role in developing the local workforce. 

EmployIndy says it’s a win for students, employers, and the community.

On Wednesday, Marie Wright, the associate director of youth apprenticeships at EmployIndy, and Kim Moreno, a freshman at IU Indianapolis and Pike High School graduate who is an apprentice at Eli Lilly & Company, joined Daybreak to discuss the program.

“They’re actually able to get the three-year professional work experience, build their social network and earn money. And earn industry-recognized credentials and a high school diploma. All at one time,” Wright said.

Wright says what makes this program different than a traditional apprenticeship is the broad spectrum of industries involved.

“While we do have apprenticeships in some of those more traditional industries like construction or advanced manufacturing, apprenticeships have expanded to include other high-growth, in-demand industries like business operations, information technology, finance, healthcare services, and education,” Wright said.

Apprentices are paid and have an opportunity for annual increases throughout their time in the program. Organizers say the paid employment is mission-critical to making this a sustainable solution and addressing equity.

“They’re employees of the organization. So it’s not like an internship – where there’s temporary work. These people are actually part of this company’s culture. So Kim actually works for Lilly. So she’s part of the culture of Lilly. She’s an employee of Lilly. She’s being paid by Lilly and she’s getting all of that professional development through us and Eli Lilly as well as an experience also,” Wright said.

Moreno is in her third year of the program and says her job experience has grown each year.

“When I first entered Lilly I was in HR. So that kind of looked more like preparing an on-boarding class for new employees and helping with that process. Then I moved over to legal and I was in business administration for legal and I helped create their schedule, their meetings and create a scheduler for them. And then other projects that my supervisor would find that I could help in. So I did room verifications and just made sure that was updated in the system and a data cleansing project,” Moreno said.

She started at 10 hours her first year, then 15 hours in her second year and is currently working toward 20 hours at Lilly this school year.

“It just sets you up for a great future. I already feel like I’m so much more ahead of other students and other kids are my age. The networking, the connections, the people that you meet and the lessons you learn are just great to prepare you for when you enter the real world,” Moreno said.

If you’re a student or an employer looking to get involved in the Modern Apprenticeship Program, visit their website.