Connections Welcome Opportunity
Pierina dell’Avo, October 21, 2024
In late December 2023, I attended an annual Rodeo Beach party, hosted by some friends/students of mine, and shared my latest teaching gig—a hand-tools class through College of Marin Community Ed—with a former student. He then proposed to introduce me to the Spaulding Boatworks 101 apprenticeship program for boat service technicians.
The following Monday, after an email exchange, a meeting was planned for January. This was music to my ears, as I love when things move fast. Soon after, I started teaching the woodworking unit to the apprentices and, later, to the homeschool students. Pretty quickly, I felt both comfortable and at home at Spaulding.
In spring 2024, I received an email that Spaulding was looking for a new machine shop teacher. As a woodworker who is constantly working with machines, I replied that it would be no problem; I could teach that course, as well. As English isn't my first language, I quickly found out that a machine shop is used only for metal. Long story short, Spaulding offered me the position as the lead teacher for the Boatworks 101 apprenticeship program and, without hesitation, I agreed to take it on.
Having come from Switzerland, where 75% of all youth are going through a three- to four-year apprenticeship program, I had always dreamt of being a part of this incredible system. In these first months of teaching the program, I’ve been improving my knowledge of boats on a daily basis and am grateful to everyone involved who is sharing their knowledge with me—and, yes, being amused that I get seasick just by standing on the dock!
I’m in awe of everyone who works at Spaulding, whether it is the topside painter finishing his last coat so shiny that I can see my face without wrinkles, the person manipulating the crane and maneuvering boats elegantly within an inch of each other, or the people welcoming visitors and answering, with grace and ease, their many questions about this special boatyard.
All my life, my work was never “just” a job. I always wanted to grow, learn, teach, improve, and collaborate with others. I cherish being surrounded by people I can learn from and gaining a new sense of community—and, most importantly, making a difference in young people's lives. I feel that Spaulding meets what is close to my heart.
Interested in supporting the Boatworks 101 Apprenticeship program? Learn more about the Boatworks 101 program. Consider making a donation to continue the impact that the program has on youth workforce development, confidence and skill.
