In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, Nov. 17-23, Regional Opportunity Initiatives is excited to share the success stories of former UpSkill apprentices in our UpSkill: Where Are They Now? series. UpSkill, ROI’s youth apprenticeship program, connects students with local employers, providing valuable paid work-based learning opportunities and industry-recognized credentials that set them on the path to career success.
Ethan Scott is one of our successful former UpSkill apprentices whose passion for technology and experience with UpSkill led him to pursue a cybersecurity degree at Indiana University. Ethan’s UpSkill experience, from supporting IT needs in local schools to earning recognition for his work, exemplifies how UpSkill helps students develop skills, gain confidence, and achieve their professional goals. Learn more about Ethan by reading the Q&A below!
This week, and every week, ROI is proud of Ethan, and all of our former — and current — UpSkill apprentices who have demonstrated dedication, worked hard, and found success in the Indiana Uplands, contributing to both their personal growth and the region’s vibrant economy.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background before joining the UpSkill program?
I am a student at Indiana University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. I work as an IT technician for Lincoln Elementary in Bedford, Indiana. When I joined the UpSkill program, I was a junior in high school working as a cashier at Walmart.
What are your interests or passions, and how do they align with the skills you learned in the UpSkill program?
I have always wanted to work in cybersecurity. The UpSkill program gave me experience in the world of IT, which aligns perfectly with my passion for technology and my goal of pursuing a cybersecurity career.
Can you share your journey in the UpSkill program? What motivated you to join, and what were your initial expectations?
I first learned about UpSkill from my principal at the North Lawrence Career Center. She introduced the program to me and encouraged me to join. At first, I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy the program, but my perspective changed after attending the first orientation and seeing all the benefits UpSkill had to offer.
What was your UpSkill position, and where did/do you work? Share a few sentences about what work you did in this position.
My first job with UpSkill was with Five Star Technology Solutions. At this job, I would travel to multiple schools throughout the district and help with any IT problems that the school was experiencing that day. This would include but is not limited to, repairing Chromebooks and desktop computers, ensuring software is up to date, and managing the network and user accounts.
What are the top five skills/abilities that helped you be successful in your UpSkill position? How have these skills helped you in your career or education?
A few skills that have helped me be successful in my UpSkill position are problem-solving, adaptability, communication, time management, and teamwork. Using these skills has helped me ensure that all of my work is done on time and effectively while also ensuring I can come up with a solution if I don’t know the answer to a problem.
How has participating in UpSkill influenced your post-high school education or training decisions? In other words, how has your UpSkill experience prepared you for your next steps after high school?
UpSkill has helped prepare me for my career after high school by teaching me how to manage my time effectively. Balancing time between work and classes can be tough, but UpSkill has taught me how to effectively create time for both. UpSkill has also helped me narrow down what field of IT I want to work in and helped me find a more suitable degree to fit that field.
Have your career aspirations changed since you started the program? If so, how? What long-term career goals are you aiming to achieve in the next few years?
I plan to earn my bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity and obtain certifications, such as those offered by CompTIA, to further my career in IT. After graduating from college, I hope to begin a career in cybersecurity.
How has UpSkill helped you build connections with industry professionals or peers that have been beneficial in your career journey?
CompTIA has helped me build my network with professionals in the field by inviting me out to several expos and events where we had the chance to network.
Did you have a mentor during your time with UpSkill? If so, how did they influence your experience and development?
Jen Staab with ROI helped me the entire time I was a part of UpSkill. I was always able to come to her with questions, and she was always working on finding new opportunities for me.
Can you describe any real-world experiences or projects from your time with your employer that were particularly impactful for you?
At Five Star Technology Solutions, I worked on tasks like repairing Chromebooks, updating software, managing networks, and addressing daily IT problems at schools. These real-world experiences gave me practical IT skills and confidence in my work.
Looking back, how do you think participating in UpSkill has changed you personally and professionally? How have you changed or grown as a person since starting the UpSkill program?
I think participating in UpSkill has prepared me for the professional world. This apprenticeship program taught me how to balance work and school while also giving me the confidence to pursue my career goals.
What are your personal aspirations for the future, both in your career and in your life?
In the next few years, I plan to obtain my bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity and certifications such as those offered by CompTIA to advance my career. Personally, I want to continue growing and learning to become the best professional I can be.
What accomplishment during your time in the UpSkill program are you most proud of?
During my time as an UpSkill apprentice, I was honored to be nominated for the 2023 Indiana Chamber of Commerce IMPACT Award for Intern of the Year. I am truly grateful to UpSkill for providing me with that opportunity.
What advice would you give to young people considering joining the UpSkill program?
I highly recommend UpSkill to anyone interested and strongly encourage them to give it a try.