Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility

Former Musician Finds New Career in Blind Institute of Technology Registered Apprenticeship Program

Mark Opatow’s career has taken a few twists and turns as a musician, cantor, and clergy in synagogues. Coming from a musical family, Mark began playing electric guitar at an early age and played in several bands throughout his teens. In his twenties, Mark trained as a classical vocalist. Later, Mark became a cantor at Stephen Wise Free Synagogue in New York, followed by Springhill Avenue Temple in Mobile, Alabama.

In 2006, Mark lost all hearing in his left ear as a result of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). Unable to continue working with orchestras and choruses, Mark adjusted his performance style and continued his work as a cantor and musician, opting for a softer style of voice and acoustic guitar.

In 2015, Mark lost all hearing in his right ear.

“I was suicidal for seven years,” Mark recalls. “I had no desire to live a life without music. When I finally found my way into treatment, it became apparent that deafness wasn’t the truly disabling factor – depression was."

As Mark began to consider a new path, his sister mentioned Salesforce to him. Mark quickly gravitated toward Salesforce's platform, immersing himself in Trailhead, their online learning environment.

His journey didn’t stop there. In his search for Salesforce programs tailored to individuals with disabilities, Mark discovered Blind Institute of Technology (BIT) and learned about its Registered Apprenticeship program.

For Mark, BIT’s apprenticeship program offered a pivotal opportunity to reenter the workforce after facing significant challenges. “The apprenticeship gave me the chance to get back on my feet,” Mark reflects. “As a fifty-four-year-old, late-deafened adult, with a significant gap in my resume, transitioning to a new field, I knew it would be tough to find that first job. BIT provided me with the opportunity to rebuild my career in a supportive environment."

BIT’s Registered Apprenticeship Program: A Second Chance

Since the inception of BIT’s national Registered Apprenticeship program in 2022, twenty-one apprentices have had the opportunity to reshape their futures and forge successful careers in the tech industry. The program’s impact has been nothing short of transformative. Each apprentice receives hands-on experience and mentorship, setting them on a path toward long-term success.

“The time I spent in the apprenticeship program gave me something truly valuable – real-world experience in the Salesforce ecosystem, alongside people who understand what it’s like to live with a disability,” Mark shares. “That was huge for me.”

Mark’s hard work paid off. Equipped with eight Salesforce certifications and Professional Scrum Master (PSM) I and II, Mark was hired full-time as a project lead at BIT. His role involves leading external and internal client projects and working together with BIT's other project leads in the "delivery team." 

The Power of Community and Support

"What sets BIT apart from other training programs is its strong sense of community and understanding." As Mark navigated his return to the workforce, he found that BIT’s culture of empathy, accommodation, and camaraderie was a perfect fit. “I love the people here,” Mark says. “They make BIT a great place to be. Our work is demanding and requires high quality, but it's also fun.”

Mark is quick to point out that BIT’s program doesn’t just focus on skill-building; it fosters an environment where individuals with disabilities are surrounded with community and support, helping them thrive without feeling overwhelmed or undervalued.

Mark’s journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of Registered Apprenticeship. It’s more than just a job – it’s a community where individuals with disabilities are given the tools to flourish and thrive.