Bravo! Vail, the nonprofit organization bringing world-class classical music to Colorado’s mountain communities, is using apprenticeships to transform students’ passions into professional skills. Through its partnership with CareerWise, Bravo! Vail offers local high school students hands-on opportunities to explore careers in arts administration, marketing, and community engagement.

The program centers students’ interests, giving them meaningful work while helping the organization meet seasonal and departmental needs. One of the program’s standout participants is Kim Camuñez , a recent Battle Mountain High School graduate and current business major at Colorado Mountain College, who discovered the apprenticeship during a CareerWise visit to their English class.

“Being at Bravo! Vail has given me a clear path for college and my career,” said Kim. “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study at first, but seeing how the organization works and contributing to real projects inspired me to pursue business.”

Kim’s apprenticeship is tailored to their strengths and interests. Under the mentorship of Parker Owens, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Kim has developed skills in marketing, bilingual communication, and project coordination. Parker explained that the program’s flexibility allows students like Kim to rotate across departments, from patron services to education to marketing, depending on organizational needs.

“Kim is a go-getter,” Parker said. “They’ve learned to structure questions, give candid feedback, and confidently communicate about classical music in Spanish. Their skills directly benefit both our team and our community.”

The apprenticeship has also given Kim experience working on high-impact projects like the concierge initiative, which involves outreach and communication with local audiences. These experiences have strengthened their communication skills and provided exposure to real-world marketing and operational tasks.

“This program gives students the chance to grow professionally and personally,” Parker said. “They become local experts, develop confidence, and leave knowing how to contribute meaningfully in a workplace.”

For students, Kim encourages others to pursue apprenticeships: even a short-term experience can clarify career goals, spark academic interests, and build valuable skills. Parker urges other organizations to consider apprenticeships as well: “These students are the future. Providing opportunities for them strengthens both the workforce and the community.”

Through partnerships like this, CareerWise and Bravo! Vail are demonstrating that youth apprenticeships can harmonize passion and professional development, whether the setting is a music festival office, a community program, or an arts-focused project.