When Abigail Ortiz first heard about the Modern Apprenticeship Program (MAP) in her high school personal finance class, she didn’t know it would change her life. At the time, she was navigating a world turned upside down by the pandemic—remote learning, uncertainty, and constant adjustments. But that same environment taught her something valuable: adaptability. 

That willingness to embrace change became a defining theme in Abigail’s story. 

What is the Modern Apprenticeship Program? 

MAP is an innovative 2–3 year program for Central Indiana high school students that combines paid, hands-on work experience with college credit and professional skill development. Students work about 15–20 hours per week while completing high school, gaining real-world experience and industry-recognized credentials in fields like business, IT, and advanced manufacturing. 

For employers, MAP is a long-term investment in talent development. Companies gain early access to motivated students, shape their skills to meet business needs, and build a pipeline of future employees. 

Finding the Right Fit Through Connection 

When Abigail applied for MAP, she had options. She received offers from both AES Indiana and the City of Indianapolis. What made her choose AES? A human connection. 

“What really made me choose AES Indiana was the initial connection I had with my supervisor,” Abigail says. “She was welcoming and warm and made me feel like I was going to be supported throughout the whole apprenticeship.” 

That sense of support gave Abigail the confidence to dive into real-world business challenges. 

“I had the chance to support a lot of different work at AES, but the most important part was being exposed to a real-world business environment,” she explains. “I got to see how things operate on a day-to-day basis.” 

Through these experiences, Abigail developed critical soft skills—initiative, time management, empathy—and learned how to communicate professionally and juggle multiple priorities. 

Why Employers Choose MAP 

MAP helps employers tap into diverse talent pools—building strong talent pipelines to meet both short- and long-term staffing needs. 

“The standout feature of the program is its practicality. Apprentices begin contributing immediately, and by the time they graduate, they are fully integrated into our culture and processes,” says Lauren Hutto, Manager, Global Collaborations at AES. “This makes it a strategic investment in all our futures.” 

Employers who partner with MAP see measurable benefits: 

• Stronger Workforce Pipeline: Apprentices start contributing immediately while preparing for long-term roles. 

• High Retention: 91% of apprentices stay with their employer after completing the program. 

• Positive ROI: For every $1 invested, employers see an average return of $1.47. 

• Flexibility: Apprentices can work in-person, remote, or hybrid, contributing ~20 hours weekly. 

• Community Impact: Companies help build a stronger local workforce ecosystem. 

The Ripple Effect of Opportunity 

For Abigail, the impact of this apprenticeship didn’t stop at workplace skills. It opened doors Abigail never imagined. 

“The program helped me build emotional intelligence, professional confidence, and leadership skills,” she says. “It also helped me earn a full-ride scholarship to the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University.” 

Today, Abigail is a junior at IU, planning to explore careers in bilingual communications and community impact work. While she’s considering returning to AES, she’s also open to joining other companies in Indianapolis who share a commitment to investing in the future of students like herself.  

Why This Matters 

Abigail’s story is proof that flexibility and innovation in workforce development create life-changing opportunities for individuals as well as measurable results for businesses. By piloting creative solutions like the Modern Apprenticeship Program, EmployIndy is helping build a confident and resilient workforce.  

Want to learn how your organization can benefit from innovative workforce strategies? Message us at [email protected] to explore partnership opportunities.