Employee Highlight: Sayed Jalal
May 8, 2025
Apprenticeship program offers new opportunities
Trades apprentice Sayed Jalal moved to the United States from Afghanistan in 2021.
Coming to the U.S., Jalal — who joined the apprenticeship program in 2024 — was accompanied by his wife, with most of his extended family staying in Afghanistan. In his mind, the U.S. was skyscrapers and busy New York streets. Yet arriving in Charlottesville, he realized that the U.S. was more than just that. He quickly had to learn to adapt to the new culture, language and people he found himself surrounded by.
Taking it day-by-day, Jalal began to find himself again, working in various positions from a car sales associate to a front desk supervisor. When his brother-in-law, who worked at UVA, mentioned the apprenticeship program, Jalal decided to apply.
He was surprised that, even though he hadn't even known much English before arriving in the U.S. a few years prior, he had the skills to pass the interview and was accepted into the program. Since then, he's found support in advancing his English, enjoying the UVA work environment and the sense of respect that he found that everyone receives. “Race, gender,” he mentioned. “Nothing here matters.”
The biggest adjustment for Jalal, he mentioned, was learning the different technical terms. Unlike the U.S., in Afghanistan, the imperial metric system is used for measurements. Since entering the program, Jalal has had to learn to adjust to the U.S. system. The push to study, and the opportunity to gain experience, however, have been some of his favorite parts of the program.
“Everyone has a story to tell,” Jalal said. He hopes that his story, and his experiences in the apprenticeship program, can help others learn about the opportunities available. Being ready to learn and ready for teamwork are some of the most important things Jalal believes new apprentices should be prepared for.
The UVA apprenticeship program is accepting applications through May 15. For more information about applying, visit the UVA Apprenticeship Program application process webpage.
Afia Paracha
Communications assistant student worker
UVA Facilities Management
hcx2td@virginia.edu