Argentum’s apprenticeship program has passed the 1,200-participant goal in its first year of funding from a $6 million Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration Closing the Skills Gap grant.
Ultimately, the association and its partners plan to enroll and support more than 7,200 apprentices by February 2024.
Argentum is the lead applicant and fiscal agent for the Healthcare Apprenticeship Expansion Program, which is designed to close the skills gap in healthcare and healthcare IT occupations by expanding apprenticeship pathways for positions such as CNAs, LPNs, RNs and rehab technicians, as well as by creating new apprenticeship programs for healthcare leadership positions such as health and wellness directors and executive directors.
Throughout the first year of the grant, employers have used on-the-job training, support from trained mentors and guaranteed wage increases that lead to a recognized credential as part of the program. Almost 30% of HAEP apprentices are existing workers, and 85% of the participants stayed in the program during the first year.
The collaborative currently has 10 partner companies, and Argentum anticipates welcoming more over the next year, according to the association. Partners are eligible to receive training reimbursements to cover a portion of apprentice training costs.
