THE APPRENTICESHIP

MEET THE APPRENTICES

FOR MORE INFORMATION

RETAIL SKILLS INTERNSHIP

Bodanna is a nonprofit social purpose business that produces handmade ceramics crafted by gifted young adults from low-income communities in New York City. Beyond a paycheck, Bodanna provides jobs that develop foundational skills in creative problem solving, critical thinking, discipline, and communication – tools that lead to long term self-sufficiency.

Apprenticeship

The centerpiece of our efforts is the apprenticeship program. Working 30 – 35 hours a week, apprentices are involved in all aspects of the business from conducting market research, product development, production and retail store operations.

First Year (Apprentice Level)

The first twelve months are dedicated to learning core ceramic production techniques: hand building, wheel-throwing and casting. Mastering ceramics techniques requires attention to detail, patience and discipline. In the process of learning to craft products for sale, our apprentices develop these critical skills.

Bodanna’s business operations serve as a real-life tool to teach entrepreneurship. In addition to the day-to-day retail store operations, each apprentice is assigned to work in a component of the business: Store Operations Management, Production Scheduling/Tracking, Product Development, Materials Handling/Processing, Adults Classes and Internet Operations. Apprentices also manage wholesale and special order customer accounts, overseeing product development, prototype development, production and delivery.

In commitment to our apprentices’ educational future, Bodanna offers flexible work schedules to enable them to earn their high school diploma or GED certificate.

Apprentices who complete one year at Bodanna receive $1500 scholarship that can be used to further schooling or launch an entrepreneurial venture.

Second Year (Associate Level)

After completing the one-year program, apprentices may be invited to spend a second year at Bodanna with a promotion to the associate level. The second year at Bodanna is spent honing ceramics techniques learned in the first year and expanding business responsibilities.
The last few months of the second year are spent preparing for a graduation show. Associates develop and produce ceramic pieces around a theme.

Associates are awarded an additional $2500 scholarship at the end of their second year.

For More Information

If you are interested in the apprenticeship program, call 212.388.0078 or email: margo@bodanna.org

Retail Skills Internship

Bodanna offers internships for out-of-school youth committed to their education and to working. The 6-week internship provides between 100 - 120 hours of work experience in all aspects of Bodanna's pottery enterprise: the pottery studio, retail store, shipping and marketing divisions. Interns are paid a small stipend and transportation.

Why an internship?

Bodanna is filling the gap. New York City's youth are facing a crisis. There are 200,000 youth between ages 16 and 24 who are not in school and are not working. With 4-year graduation rates stagnated around 50%, the bulk of these youth drop out of the system and are left with limited education, limited skills and limited opportunity for successful adulthood. Through partnerships with other nonprofit organizations such as The Door, Bodanna offers soft skills training in basic workplace skills and etiquette through the internship experience. In the process, youth develop critical skills needed to get and keep a job, a critical first step in transitioning to a successful adulthood. To participate, youth need to be enrolled in GED classes or a high school graduate or GED certificate holder.

For more information, call 212.388.0078 or email: margo@bodanna.org