April 30 is National Apprenticeship Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the vital role apprenticeships play in building a skilled workforce. As a founding member of the Michigan Apprentice Network, the Detroit Regional Chamber is committed to championing the value of apprenticeships. By fostering collaborations with local employers, the Chamber strives to expand professional opportunities and develop impactful apprenticeship programs.
This year, in honor of National Apprenticeship Day, the Chamber and the Michigan Apprentice Network are spotlighting inspiring stories from apprentices at member companies. Read the spotlight below of Vanessa Bryant, an IT apprentice at Dow.
DOW
April 29, 2025
In the ever-evolving world of technology, finding the right talent is crucial. Our IT Apprentice Program has been a cornerstone in nurturing and developing future leaders in the tech industry. Today, we are thrilled to highlight the journey of one of our outstanding apprentices, Vanessa Bryant.
Vanessa Bryant joined our IT Apprentice Program with a passion for technology and a drive to learn. Based in Midland, Vanessa recently graduated as an IT Apprentice – Cybersecurity Analyst in the Cyber Security Operations Center department. Over the past months, she has demonstrated exceptional dedication and growth. From mastering complex processes to understanding the intricacies of cybersecurity, Vanessa has embraced every challenge with enthusiasm.
Reflecting on her motivation to join the program, Vanessa shared, “I’ve been interested in cybersecurity since graduating from college with my associate’s degree in 2016. Breaking into the industry was challenging, so I found another passion in substitute teaching. After the pandemic hit, I decided to revisit my dreams of being in cybersecurity, which is my dream career.”
Mentorship and Learning
One of the key components of our program is the mentorship provided by experienced professionals. Vanessa has benefited immensely from the guidance of her mentor, Tanner Howell, who has been instrumental in shaping her skills and career path. Tanner remarked, “Vanessa has demonstrated impressive growth over the past twelve months. She has found her voice on the team and realized her capabilities as a full cybersecurity analyst.”
Vanessa also highlighted the challenges she faced, particularly work-life balance and relocating to a new city without a support system. “The most challenging aspect has been work-life balance and relocating to a new city without a support system. I overcame this by creating a balanced schedule for myself and my boys, and my mother moved to Midland to assist me,” she explained.
Achievements and Milestones
Throughout the program, Vanessa has achieved several significant milestones. One of her notable accomplishments is the successful launch of the Monthly Cyber Briefing newsletter. This newsletter focuses on the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape and serves as a vital communication tool for Dow users. Vanessa’s innovative approach and problem-solving skills have been recognized by peers and leaders alike.
Vanessa’s leader and mentor, Tanner, praised her contributions, saying, “Vanessa launched a cross-functional monthly newsletter that has significantly improved team branding and communication. It’s a great accomplishment that has had a lasting impact.”
Personal Growth and Future Aspirations
Vanessa’s journey has been marked by personal growth and stepping out of her comfort zone. She shared, “My biggest achievement has been my personal growth. I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone, made new friends, and had experiences I never had before.”
Tanner also noted Vanessa’s passion and technical aptitude, which have set her up for success. “Vanessa brings passion and technical aptitude to her work. She enjoys what she does and finds fulfillment in it, which has allowed her to grow in her role,” he said.
Looking Ahead
As Vanessa approaches the completion of her apprenticeship, we are excited to see what the future holds for her as she transitions to a permanent position within the team and continues to advance as a cybersecurity specialist. Her journey is a testament to the power of apprenticeships in bridging the skills gap and providing opportunities for growth and development. Vanessa offered advice to those considering an apprenticeship in the tech industry: “Step out of your comfort zone, reach out to people, and make connections. Apprenticeships offer incredible opportunities for growth.”
We invite you to join us in celebrating Vanessa Bryant’s achievements and the success of our IT Apprentice Program. Her story is a reminder of the incredible potential that apprenticeships hold in shaping the future of technology.