Apprentices Gaining Valuable Work Experience and Training at Rich’s
In 2022, Rich’s welcomed the first cohort of apprentices through CareerWise Greater Buffalo, a program operated by Say Yes Buffalo. Currently, four college students are apprenticing in the CS&L, R&D, Finance and Campus Foodservice departments, completing 2000 hours of paid work in parallel to their degree. The CareerWise program operates on the premise that students shouldn’t have to choose between education and experience, and finances shouldn’t stand between young people and their full potential.
Rich’s has a longstanding partnership with Say Yes through which we support their mission to remove barriers to educational and economic attainment for young people of WNY. Say Yes provides a postsecondary tuition promise to Buffalo public and charter school students to increase high school and postsecondary completion rates and help graduates achieve the dream of fulfilling professional employment.
Through CareerWise, these first-generation college students have access to an apprenticeship program that offers meaningful work experience, debt-free college credits, industry certifications, as well as paid wages. This modern approach to youth apprenticeship unites the strengths of college and on-the-job skills by creating intersecting pathways between real world work experience and higher education.
“These experiences provide much more than job training, it’s an education in the opportunities that await in the real world,” said Kelly Reimann, Rich’s Talent Acquisition Program Consultant. “Apprentices are developing professional networks, bolstering their resumes and exploring potential career pathways.”
Meet the CareerWise apprentices currently working at Rich’s:
Da’Miah Wilson, R&D – Chris Cobb, manager
Teah Stevens, Campus Foodservice – Dillion Ralph, manager
Keke Wallace, CS&L – Jennifer Swartz, manager
Lew Wah, Finance – Melissa Zwawa, manager
These young students are balancing a demanding schedule of academics and part-time work at Rich’s. Their tremendous effort, contributions and commitment have not gone unnoticed. Kelly also acknowledged the dedicated team of managers that oversee the apprentices’ development. In addition to their regular assignments, these associates are engaged in a two-year relationship with a college student working part time in their department. They’re providing real world experience and acting as mentors and guides on their educational and career journeys.
“I’m profoundly proud of Rich’s leadership in supporting the Say Yes Buffalo programs, including this important apprenticeship initiative,” said Bill Gisel, Executive Vice Chairman. “The key to a successful apprenticeship is the dedication, wisdom and empathy of the Rich’s mentors.”
In a recent publication of Apprenticeship Connection, the quarterly newsletter of CareerWise Greater Buffalo, student Teah Stevens shared insight into her experience apprenticing as a culinarian at Rich’s and how the opportunity has helped shaped her dreams.
“Choosing Rich’s was the best decision I have ever made,” said Teah. “This apprenticeship has opened a gateway to my career and future.”
CareerWise presented an in-depth look at Lew’s apprenticeship experience in Rich’s Finance department in this video. Like so many students, Lew graduated high school and still wasn’t sure about his career plans. He said the apprenticeship is helping him broaden his understanding of the business world while gaining hands-on skills. His time in the Finance department has informed his college course selection and he’s refining his aspiration along the way.
Not only is Rich’s investment in the CareerWise program contributing to a new talent acquisition pipeline of skilled young workers, but it is also an extension of our commitment to Do What’s Right by supporting the growth and development of Buffalo youth and promoting a more inclusive and equitable economy in WNY.
“The impact that Rich’s can have on these first-generation college students is immeasurable,” remarked Kelly. “We’re giving young people the opportunity to work alongside our talented associates and opening doors to career aspirations that they may never have known were possible without this experience.”
