The Beginning of a Kanuga Legacy: Resident Apprentice Program

03.20.2017 - Our Programs

This winter marked the beginning of a new legacy for Kanuga. This month, we’re celebrating an especially important milestone with Micheal Taylor serving as the first graduate of our Resident Apprentice Program (RAP).

Lasting for 12 months, RAP is a unique program that combines guidance, training, and work experience for young adults starting their career path. The program allows participants to live and work at Kanuga while enjoying benefits and a small work stipend.

The Beginning of a Kanuga Journey

Micheal joined RAP to refine and expand the culinary and hospitality training he had received at the Eliada Student Training for Advancement in Asheville. Encouraged by his family, he decided to apply for RAP because it seemed like a good next step in his career.

Once he arrived, Kanuga worked its timeless magic on Micheal. “I didn’t know it was going to be so great,” said Micheal. “I worked front-of-house and back-of-house in food services, and found I liked front-of-house much better. I enjoyed talking to people and satisfying guests’ needs.”

Micheal became known for his work ethic and positive attitude among the staff. “Micheal was a pleasure to work with,” says Kevin Manion, Resident Apprentice Program Coordinator. “He was open to feedback and always eager to learn and improve himself. He also showed tremendous flexibility and a go-with-the-flow attitude. Most notable was his unshakable positivity.”

Providing Skills for the Future

While RAP focused on providing valuable job and career training, it also offered weekly group learning sessions. These special workshops promoted personal and professional development.

Topics covered included career planning, budgeting, project development, and time management. The weekly sessions also provided opportunities to experience and serve the surrounding community.

“I got to do things I had never done before like explore DuPont State Forest and work with Habitat for Humanity,” said Micheal.

Although RAP has ended for Micheal, his Kanuga journey continues. He will join Kanuga as part of the guest services staff in April and continue to work as part of the summer staff this year.

For those thinking about applying to RAP, he encourages curious individuals to take that first step. “Take advantage of the program,” says Micheal. “You get to save money, build life skills, and find out all the things you didn’t know before. Plus, you meet people who can become resources for you in the future.”

To learn more about the Resident Apprentice Program, please contact Kevin Manion at kevin.manion@kanuga.org or 828-233-2813.