Mentorship, Apprenticeship, and a Legacy of Learning
July 2026 – “I wished for Larry’s job and followed him through his career changes. Noah wished for my job and is following me through mine.” – Kristine Ringsrud, SkillSource Network Administrator.
Wishes came true. Kris tells the story best.
“Back in the late 1980s (not a typo), I was casting about for a career change and took part in an ACE workshop taught by Larry Henderson, who was then a Training Consultant. I was so impressed with the work of the then-named Pentad Private Industry Council* — I deeply wanted to work somewhere that made a difference in the world. At the end of the workshop, I remember telling Larry that I wanted his job.
Fast forward about two years, and I was hired as a Training Consultant for the Dislocated Worker program, replacing Larry as he moved full-time into the role of Network Administrator.
A few years later, I was instructing computer applications workshops. Our network was growing, and I was tapped to work half-time as the Network Helper, assisting Larry. Around 1995, Larry moved into a role as full-time programmer, and I was assigned to the role of Network Administrator, where I’ve been ever since.”
Noah Olsen came to SkillSource in Wenatchee a few years ago for a fast-track career in computers. He completed his GED and then applied for and was offered a Computer Tech 1 apprenticeship at SkillSource where he was mentored under the guidance of – drumroll please – Kris Ringsrud. Under Kris’ mentorship and guidance, Noah successfully became a Computer Tech 1 Journeyman and was hired by the Wenatchee School District (WSD), where he furthered his technical expertise. While Noah was working for WSD, Kris began mentoring another SkillSource graduate-turned-apprentice, Ayden Oseguera, who will have the equivalent of a two-year college degree upon completion of his apprenticeship this fall.
Now, after almost 37 years, Kris is hanging up the ethernet cables and retiring from SkillSource. She has passed the passwords along to Noah, who will take up the responsibility in the Wenatchee center. He will also replace Kris on the Wenatchee School District Apprenticeship Committee, providing oversight for the very program in which he got his start!
Noah is also stepping in as Ayden’s supervising mentor for the final stretch of his two year apprenticeship. Ayden has a wish too – to work as a Tech Support Specialist for a local school in Wenatchee. And as we’ve seen before, through mentorship and on-the-job training, wishes do indeed come true.
The workforce development system upholds our communities, and our information systems keep us going. We are grateful to Larry, who continues to provide essential systems-level support, sharing a legacy of knowledge that’s been passed down in our favorite way: on the job.
“Without Larry, there would be no Noah,” shared Kris. Without Kris there would be no Ayden. And without Noah and Ayden, well …. That’s to be continued!
Thank you to the mentors and supervisors who help train people into the careers that at one time they only wished they had.
*The Pentad Private Industry Council became SkillSource in 1983. Learn more about us here.
