This week marks the 10th annual National Apprenticeship Week, celebrated from November 17 to 23, 2024. The event highlights the success and value of registered apprenticeships. For Natalie Guzman, a business management student at Harold Washington College and an apprentice at Hines through the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of Chicago, this value is evident.
Natalie’s journey into business stems from her family's legacy. As a first-generation Mexican American, she grew up observing her parents manage businesses in Mexico and Chicago's Irving Park neighborhood. This background, combined with a high school entrepreneurship class and an introductory business course at Harold Washington College, fueled her passion for business.
Upon receiving an email about an apprenticeship in commercial property management, Natalie saw it as a chance to advance her entrepreneurial ambitions. After applying and interviewing, she secured a position as an apprentice with Hines, facilitated by BOMA/Chicago.
Months into her role at Hines, Natalie finds herself thriving within a supportive team environment. She actively participates in company events and seizes networking opportunities to learn from industry professionals. "I can ask questions, and everyone just wants each other to succeed and grow," Natalie said. "I’m very happy and blessed to be in this space."
By completing her two-year apprenticeship, Natalie will earn both an associate degree and a U.S. Department of Labor Industry Credential in commercial property management. This achievement will position her well for future success in the field. “In just a few months, this apprenticeship has already changed my life,” said Natalie.
The benefits of this apprenticeship extend beyond Natalie to include her employer Hines—a BOMA/Chicago member—and the wider industry. As part of BOMA/Chicago’s inaugural cohort, Natalie helps address the industry's need for dedicated talent committed to long-term careers in commercial real estate.
Farzin Parang, Executive Director of BOMA/Chicago, notes that commercial property management demands strong customer service skills and relationship-building abilities based on trust—traits that City Colleges students possess. Feedback from three BOMA firms—Hines, Sterling Bay, and Transwestern—has been positive regarding their collaboration with City Colleges students.
“We partnered with City Colleges because of their expertise with apprenticeships,” Parang explained. “They’ve supported us from the start—marketing the program...and following up with employers to ensure everything runs smoothly.”
City Colleges offers tailored classroom curricula preparing apprentices before they begin their roles. For BOMA/Chicago, these apprenticeships enhance hiring processes while reducing turnover and diversifying the industry.
The partnership marked the first-ever U.S.-Department-of-Labor-registered apprenticeship in property management when it began; however Parang assures that initiating such programs is simpler than many employers assume.
“In most cases," Parang stated "an employer can simply copy or customize existing programs already registered with the Department of Labor." Resources like City Colleges assist throughout every step of establishing such partnerships.
For organizations interested in partnering with City Colleges for workforce needs fulfillment visit [website].