Apprenticeship Helps Plant Seeds for a New Career
The road to horticulture was rooted in childhood experiences. “I’ve always been around plants,” she says, explaining how her family had a farm in Texas before moving to California. Growing up, her grandmother had maintained a garden in their housing project, and her mother once had a Japanese tea garden installed in their yard.
Though gardening had always interested her, she initially chose a different path. “When I was 19, I chose to stick with psychology instead of horticulture,” she said. Over the next two decades, she tried out various careers. “I’d been a program manager at a non-profit, a TSA agent—I’d tried a few different things. So, 20 years later, I’m thinking, what would I really like to do?”
This got her to ask the question, “If you went to work every day and you didn’t get paid, what would you enjoy doing?” The answer was gardening.
Her journey to apprenticeship started when her mother sent her a text message about job opportunities. After securing a position as a Public Service Trainee (PST), Chauntil worked for seven months in order to gain the needed experience. “I knew that I needed more experience so that I could apply to become a gardener with Recs and Parks,” she explained.
Despite discouragement, Chauntil persevered. “Are you sure you want to do that? I think with your resume, you should stick with office work.” These were just a few of the questions she received on her ability. She prepared herself by taking classes at City College and applied for the gardener apprenticeship program. “I got it on my first try. Baby! I was so excited!” she exclaimed.
Throughout her apprenticeship, Chauntil has found tremendous support. Her supervisor Kendra Armitage and Captain Beth McDowell have been really helpful. “They know what that experience is like. This mentorship has fueled Chauntil’s ambition. “I would like to be a captain and a supervisor and a manager later, and they see that for me.” Her male colleagues have also been supportive, noting how hard working she is.
The ERiCA grant is designed to increase opportunities in the construction industry for women, non-binary individuals and underserved communities by covering the cost of childcare and bolstering outreach efforts. For Chauntil, this support has been invaluable in making her career transition possible.
Balancing apprenticeship with raising three children-aged 17, 10, and 5-presents challenges. Her days can start as early as 5:30 in the morning, long before her children’s school begins. The ERiCA grant stipend has been crucial in helping her secure childcare. “It’s been extremely helpful having additional funds to make sure that childcare is secured, especially because my day starts at 5 or 6:30 in the morning and often ends with classes until 10 o’clock at night,” she explained.
As she gets ready to complete her apprenticeship in the fall, Chauntil’s journey shows how targeted support can help women overcome barriers to enter traditionally-male dominated fields. With continued mentorship and determination, Chauntil is well on her way to achieving the future she once dreamed of planting.
July 2025