In 2020, Argentum received a grant to develop and expand nationwide apprenticeships in senior living and related allied health occupations.
Argentum is the lead applicant and fiscal agent for a $6M project which is being funded by a four-year USDOL-ETA Closing the Skills Gap grant. The Healthcare Apprenticeship Expansion Program (HAEP) collaborative is addressing the skills gap in healthcare and healthcare IT occupations by expanding apprenticeship pathways for positions like CNAs, LPNs, RNs, and rehab technicians, as well as creating new apprenticeship programs for healthcare leadership positions such as nursing directors and executive directors. Argentum and its partners plan to enroll and support over 7,200 apprentices by February 2024.
Apprenticeship is a time-tested approach to training and developing skilled labor that began in the 1850’s. However, a resurgence and growing popularity of the model could be just what’s needed as we enter this time of economic recovery and meet the demands of the healthcare workforce.
Apprenticeships define career paths, lay out on-the-job training and classroom (including online) learning for advancement, and detail promotions and wage increases for apprentices. These programs are a proven workforce strategy to improve recruitment and retention, while creating a more engaged and satisfied workforce.
As lead applicant of the grant, Argentum is working closely with several critical partners to successfully administer the grant and enroll participants.
TalentGro, a division of Hamilton-Ryker®, is a total workforce development solution that helps find and develop talent for employers and is serving as the apprenticeship intermediary to help HAEP employers launch and sustain their programs. Hamilton-Ryker’s TalentGro division has been instrumental in providing a menu of services to HAEP employers including support with apprentice recruitment, mentor support and adhering to federal reporting requirements.
While Hamilton-Ryker is providing support to employer partners, their WorkWell Services division is providing key supports directly to HAEP apprentices to ensure they have wraparound supports to be successful in their programs. A WorkWell coach is available to help apprentices navigate challenges such as access to childcare and basic needs, as well as career coaching and life skills training. Having a trusted advisor and coach with WorkWell ensures HAEP apprentices have an additional safety net so they meet their career goals.
Over a dozen employer partners within the senior living and healthcare industries have joined the HAEP collaborative since its launch. Together we are working throughout the country to strengthen career pathways that are equitable and inclusive through registered apprenticeship models.
The HAEP grant-funded initiative includes several unique benefits to small businesses who own or operate senior living communities and healthcare-related facilities. In order to be eligible to receive all the benefits of a small business partner, employers must employ 50 or fewer employees. Benefits of the HAEP grant include:
Many HAEP employer partners are new to apprenticeships and have leveraged the program to build their frontline workforce, including caregivers, CNAs, and LPNs. If you are interested in learning more about apprenticeship models and how this strategy could be a beneficial workforce development and training strategy for your business, please complete this brief survey and our team will be in touch to discuss next steps.
This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it.
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