apprentice program
Job and Leadership Development
Coffee with a purpose
What is different about Rail//Line? It’s the people! When you grab a cup of coffee or a tasty pastry, you will likely come in contact with one of our Apprentices. They are the reason for Rail//Line! This coffee shop was created as a means to build and develop our next leaders and while we were at it – create a space for all people to build community. Our hope and goal is that our Apprentices learn to see the best part of themselves and develop a new perspective on what their future can look like. You can help us change the trajectory of a life with a simple cup of coffee.
Building Relationships and Community
developing leaders
Providing Jobs
Economic Development
the fabric of our family
Everyone has a story to tell. Watch and get a little glimpse into the world of our amazing apprentices. You are part of their story every time you buy a cup of coffee or a tasty pastry. Their story becomes your story. You become a part of their community; welcome to our family.
Israel Devereaux
“I really didn’t want to use my struggles and what I have been through in life as an excuse, and I want to show that I am different now than what I was in my past.”
Mikayla Korf
“What I will take away from the apprenticeship program into this new chapter is being warm hearted.”
Elijah Bayse
“The biggest takeaway from the apprenticeship program was figuring out how to set my priorities. Figuring out what I truly want to be important in my life and what am I letting be important that doesn’t need to be.”
Rachael Cole
“If I hadn’t done the apprenticeship program I feel like I would be missing out on a lot. To look back to where I first started and where I am now and what I’ve been talking about; it’s a lot of growth.”
Aleiah Ramirez
“Work is sometimes all about the business…here it’s about everyone…everything. It’s about yourself, others, learning, growing. It’s like you’re a family. That’s why I always say Rail//Line’s pretty much my family; my other family.”
We are so proud of Aleiah and her time with us here at Rail//Line. The community we get to build here is truly special!
Christian Nava
“Working at Rail//Line is a big deal because it’s helping me go toward my goals and stay out the street…I want to change the way people look at my last name. ” Christian is doing this every day! He no longer works here at Rail//Line, but remains an integral part of our family and community.
From Apprentice to Leader
Start Apprenticeship
Apprentices start by learning to embrace their story and their past, but also their future. They learn pieces of their identity that they potentially have never realized or understood. Practically, they learn much more than making coffee…they begin the work that preps them for life and leadership ahead.
Develop new mindsets
We coach all of our employees to develop leadership mindsets that bring awareness to past behaviors and help change the approach in a way that is constructive instead of destructive. These mindsets engage each person holistically in their decision-making and responses to challenging situations.
Set goals
Throughout the Apprenticeship, apprentices set tangible goals related to work and life. In the past, these goals have looked like graduating high school to developing skills that they can leverage in the outside workforce. We support and encourage each apprentice as they strive to meet their goals.
Get training
When apprentices require further training, whether that is within or outside of the coffee shop, we help them pursue and engage in that training. Our hope is that their time at Rail//Line leads to healthy relationships, transformed mindsets, and greater opportunities.
Gain experience
As they begin to think about their next steps and their graduation from the apprenticeship program, they learn to leverage their newly developed skills and resources, giving them the opportunity to reach for goals and dreams they didn’t think were possible.
Get employed!
At the moment they are ready to launch, we help them find next-level employment that continues to build on the interests and skills they’ve cultivated while at Rail//Line.
Learn More
The apprenticeship is a place for young adults to come discover and develop leadership skills within their community through holistic support and mentorship. Our apprenticeship program was developed under Community Leadership and Development, Inc., (CLDI) a Christian community development organization located right across the street.