Homeschooler Seth Bullard was taking information technology (IT) classes through Robeson Community College in Lumberton, North Carolina, when he learned about the opportunity to become an apprentice with Lumbee Holdings, Inc., and combine his classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training under the guidance of an experienced mentor. The Lumbee Holdings, Inc. family of companies is owned by the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina and supports the nation’s diplomats and military stationed around the world. As a tribal citizen himself, Seth has found that working for Lumbee is a great fit.
Seth works Lumbee Holdings’ IT help desk and helps maintain the company’s networks, while continuing to learn and grow through his coursework and on-the-job experiences like cybersecurity attack simulations. As a Native American working on cybersecurity defense, Seth says, “I think it is very encouraging for me and people who are like me growing up to see: ‘That could be me!’”
“I want to grow my career and make myself more valuable to other people,” he says—and the apprenticeship has helped him do that. Seth earned several IT certifications and his associate’s degree while completing his apprenticeship. He received the 2024 Outstanding Registered Apprentice Award from ApprenticeshipNC, the North Carolina State Apprenticeship Agency, for his dedication to personal and professional growth, meticulous attention to detail, and acceptance of new and challenging projects. Seth is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
Sources/related media:
Video - ApprenticeshipNC 2024 Outstanding Registered Apprentice: Seth Bullard
Video - ApprenticeshipNC 2024 Outstanding Registered Apprenticeship Program: Lumbee Holdings, Inc.
Publish Date: 11/01/2024