Missouri Apprenticeship Spotlight: Stacy Elsbury | Career WayZ Apprenticeship Trailblazer for Career Technical Education in Columbia, MO
May 16, 2025
Meet Stacy Elsbury, the Apprenticeship Coordinator at Columbia Area Career Center (CACC) and one of the very first Apprenticeship Coordinator apprentices in Missouri ( with a CTE emphasis)! With the expert guidance of her mentor and sponsor, Cynthia Walker, owner of Career WayZ—a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor—Stacy officially launched CACC’s Registered Youth Apprenticeship (RYA) program in January 2024 and started her apprenticeship soon after the launch. And what a launch it’s been!
Her first-ever youth apprenticeship was a bold one: Residential Leasing Specialist with Amanda Jacobs of Jacobs Property Management. Not only was this a brand-new occupation for youth apprenticeship in the region, but it also opened doors for students interested in real estate, marketing, and client services. This apprenticeship gives students real-world experience and upward mobility—all while they’re still in high school. 💼✨
But it’s more than just job training.
The connection between the apprentice and the business owner has blossomed into a true mentorship. The owner has become both a professional guide and a personal support system, showing exactly what youth apprenticeship can achieve when it’s built on relationship and relevance.
But it’s more than just job training.
The connection between the apprentice and the business owner has blossomed into a true mentorship. The owner has become both a professional guide and a personal support system, showing exactly what youth apprenticeship can achieve when it’s built on relationship and relevance.
📊 By the Numbers (2023–2025):
✔️ Doubled the number of students earning CTE Certificates
✔️ 7 employers
✔️ 10 Registered Youth Apprentices (and growing!)
✔️ Nearly 900 students participated in work-based learning experiences
✔️ 93% of students were excited about their WBL experience
✔️ 100% of students discovered new careers or growth opportunities
As a new Apprenticeship Coordinator, Stacy has already:
✅ Created SOPs to raise the bar for all WBL experiences
✅ Designed embedded checklists and streamlined workflows
✅ Supported teachers and advisory committees
✅ Built strong partnerships across the community
✅ Presented at national and state conferences to share her model
✨ Stacy’s Achievements & Leadership:
🏆 Teacher of the Year – CACC (2023) & Rock Bridge High School (2022)
🛠 Member, Columbia Chamber of Commerce Workforce Development Committee
🏭 Member, REDI Manufacturing Roundtable
📣 Presenter, ACTE Vision Conference and DESE Apprenticeship Spotlight Webinar
👩🏫 Coach to CACC teachers on WBL and advisory committees
📋 Developed SOPs and embedded checklists for every work-based learning (WBL) experience to raise fidelity, clarity, and professionalism across the board
💬 From Stacy herself:
“The thing I’m most proud of professionally is still ahead of me. But to date, it’s the ongoing creation of a system of apprenticeships and work-based learning at CACC. My long-term goal is to grow students’ social capital and give them more agency over their future by engaging them in real-world experiences that matter.”
🎙 A word from her director, Dr. Brandon Russell:
“Stacy has been instrumental in the launching of Registered Youth Apprenticeships at Columbia Area Career Center. Her commitment to participating in this Apprenticeship Coordinator Apprenticeship program with Cynthia Walker of Career WayZ is a testament to her passion for preparing today’s learners for tomorrow’s careers—the mission of CACC. Stacy works tirelessly to make meaningful connections with employers in our community, and this apprenticeship program has given her the tools and skills needed to see our RYA program thrive. I am proud of her accomplishments and look forward to seeing where she takes our RYA program. I can assure you, it will be outstanding.”
🏆 A word from her mentor and apprenticeship sponsor, Cynthia Walker of Career WayZ
“Stacy came into this apprenticeship arena prepared to tackle the greatest challenge most new programs face—‘I have the what, now I need the how!’ We hit the ground running, and she was soon soaring. Her innovative approach to work-based learning to meet the needs of both apprentices and partners is one of the best practices I’ve seen. She is incredibly coachable and has successfully navigated
the waters from start-up to full-scale implementation. I’m proud to award her a National Certificate of Completion from the U.S. Department of Labor—not just for finishing, but for going above and beyond. Her development and voice at national conventions show that she is one to watch. Stacy isn’t just leading—she’s redefining what youth apprenticeship can be.”
👏 We couldn’t agree more. Stacy isn’t just building a program—she’s building momentum, community, and career-connected futures for Missouri’s youth.
Follow Career WayZ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/career-wayz-missouri/
Follow Cynthia Walker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-walker-46b8087a/
