How Registered Apprenticeship Led Brynn Longino to Supply Chain Logistics Management

Apprentice Background Information

• Full Name: Brynn Longino
• Company/Employer: Ziehl-Abegg
• Age: 20
• Completed Pre-Apprenticeship Occupation: Manufacturing Technician
• Current Apprenticeship Occupation: Supply Chain Logistics Manager

Let’s start with you. Looking back, what first sparked your interest in manufacturing, and how did that eventually lead you to your current career path?

I was interested in the many different departments and functions of a manufacturing facility. There are so many people and jobs that contribute to the final product leaving through the door.

Before becoming a Registered Apprentice, where were you in your career journey? What were you looking for that you weren’t finding through more traditional education or job pathways?

I used to be a team lead at a local grocery store. I was supposed to become full-time and then use their scholarship to go to school. They kept telling me I’d be full-time yet never had me moved over. They also never gave me my full raise amount after becoming a team lead. I decided I needed to start somewhere else where I could pursue the same goal.

How did Ziehl-Abegg and its Registered Apprenticeship Program first get on your radar? What stood out to you at the time?

I found out about the Guilford Apprenticeship Partners (GAP) Program through word of mouth. I was homeschooled in high school and fed up with my job. My parents found out about it and we looked it up. I immediately decided to apply. To complete the application, you must do an open house, meaning you must attend one of the companies participating in the program. I chose Ziehl-Abegg, and I decided then I’d work to get into this company.

What ultimately made you decide that a Registered Apprenticeship was the right fit? Was there a specific experience, conversation, or moment that made you realize this was the path you wanted to pursue?

For me there was no specific moment, throughout high school I was opposed to the societal idea of college. An 18-year-old kid must somehow choose a career and get themselves into thousands of dollars of student loan debt. Student loan debt is also exceptionally difficult to pay off. I decided I would do my best to work and get my school paid for.

When you first entered the Manufacturing Technician Registered Pre-Apprenticeship, what were your expectations? How did those expectations compare with your actual experience?

I had no clue what to expect because I’d never really heard of the program before, unlike my peers who had been to public high school. All I knew was that no matter what happened I’d do my best to succeed for myself and my family. I wanted to turn this opportunity into a career.

Looking back, is there a project, accomplishment, or moment from your Registered Pre-Apprenticeship that you’re especially proud of? Why does it stand out?

I am proud that my pre-apprentice group and I did such a dedicated job of helping our company move over to our new facility. We helped to find materials and were able to help those who just needed an extra hand during the move. This stands out because sometimes it’s so important to just have an extra hand when you’re moving. No matter if it’s an apartment or a manufacturing facility.

Every program comes with challenges. What was one challenge you faced during your Manufacturing Technician Registered Pre-Apprenticeship, and what did overcoming it teach you?

My biggest challenge was learning how to think for myself. At my previous job I automatically relied on my supervisors to tell me what to do because I was scared that I’d do the wrong thing. Once I became a team lead, I was responsible for making decisions. When I started the pre-apprenticeship, I was back in the mindset of being scared to decide. I slowly had to challenge myself and realize that I needed to make decisions myself while acknowledging the possibility of getting in trouble for mistakes.

After successfully completing your Manufacturing Technician Registered Pre-Apprenticeship, what inspired you to continue your professional growth by pursuing a Registered Apprenticeship in Supply Chain Logistics Management?

I realized I could pursue a career through Registered Apprenticeship at Ziehl-Abegg. I figured I’d continue to work and do my best so that I could provide myself with the best possible future.

How did your Registered Pre-Apprenticeship prepare you for your current Registered Apprenticeship?

I think just meeting people throughout the company while helping move to the new facility was the best preparation I could’ve gotten. This was how I learned about how a business environment operates and how to conduct myself. I also got to know people and better understand the other departments.

For people who may not be familiar with supply chain logistics, how would you describe your current Registered Apprenticeship and the role it plays in supporting Ziehl-Abegg’s operations?

Currently, I am working under the individuals who develop the processes our company uses to move materials into and out of the warehouse. They also develop ideas for how we can change or further improve these processes.

How have your confidence, career outlook, and long-term goals evolved since beginning your employment with Ziehl-Abegg?

My confidence in myself and the place I have within the company have both grown. I’ve realized just how much this program gives me the opportunity to see firsthand what type of work I like and being able to fully apply myself. My long-term goals have changed substantially because I thought I wouldn’t be able to accomplish much in the beginning. Now I know I can achieve so much more than I initially thought.

Looking at your journey so far, how has completing a Registered Pre-Apprenticeship and beginning a Registered Apprenticeship changed the way you think about career growth and lifelong learning?

I realized just how much freedom I have to grow. I feel that in most jobs it is difficult to get to the position you may want to. You don’t have as much freedom. Within the GAP program at Ziehl-Abegg, they advocate for us and help us achieve our full potential. Putting in the effort has helped me to achieve much more than I thought I ever could.

If you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice on your first day as a Registered Apprentice, what would it be?

I would say to myself “This is no longer high school; you must be aware of what you say and to whom. Start to think for yourself and most of all, take initiative.”

From your perspective, how does Registered Apprenticeship help employers build future leaders within their organizations?

It helps build future leaders because those who take initiative and want to grow can observe how everything within the company functions and absorb as many leadership examples and techniques as possible. We also can get the chance to learn directly from supervisors. This gives us an early start in learning how to lead others.

Finally, what advice would you give to other Registered Apprentices—or those considering Registered Apprenticeship—who are interested in continuing to grow their careers through additional learning opportunities?

I would tell them to always do their best and to not give up on themselves. Always take the initiative and strive to learn more. We have these opportunities that can genuinely help us for the rest of our lives, starting out without student debt. This is especially valuable in today’s economy, so take advantage of every opportunity you are given.

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About ApprenticeshipNC: Recognized by the Office of Apprenticeship to act on behalf of the U.S. Department of Labor, ApprenticeshipNC, a part of the North Carolina Community College System, is the only approved registration and compliance body for Registered Apprenticeship in North Carolina. The ApprenticeshipNC team works directly with employers, educational institutions, and community partners in all 100 North Carolina counties to design, launch, and expand Registered Apprenticeship and Registered Pre-Apprenticeship Programs. ANC also acts as an information source for individuals interested in pursuing career opportunities through Registered Apprenticeship.