Cape Cod Healthcare Leaders, State Officials Celebrate Apprentices
(HYANNIS, MASSACHUSETTS (November 9, 2023) On Thursday afternoon, Cape Cod Healthcare’s senior leaders, union and state officials, and mentors gathered at Cape Cod Hospital to celebrate the first round of apprentices who completed the Nursing Assistant Apprenticeship Program at Cape Cod Hospital and Falmouth Hospital, as well as the Phlebotomy Apprenticeship Program.
“The apprenticeship program is an innovative model for the healthcare industry,” said Mike Lauf, President and CEO of Cape Cod Healthcare. “The goal of this program is to invest in our community, create meaningful jobs and offer career ladders to give people wonderful opportunities to live the life they want to live here on Cape Cod.”
Cape Cod Healthcare partnered with Service Employees International Union (SEIU) / Training and Upgrading Fund (TUF) to offer registered apprenticeship programs, which began in the fall of 2022. The innovative partnership with CCHC management and the union helped participants “learn and earn” at the same time. Thirteen apprentices completed the nursing assistant program and the phlebotomy apprentice program—the first program in the country. The graduates are now employed within the CCHC system, including at Cape Cod Hospital and Falmouth Hospital. The reception also celebrated the next cohort of apprentices—11 nursing assistants and two phlebotomy participants.
“At the end of the day, what makes our Commonwealth tick? It’s truly the people,” said Lauren Jones, Secretary of Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, one of the speakers during the reception. “Their talent really helps businesses and institutions like this hospital thrive and our community thrive. We want to make sure we are paving more ways for people to gain opportunity.”
Cape Cod Healthcare’s Certified Nursing Assistant Program opens doors for entry-level nursing assistants at Cape Cod Hospital and Falmouth Hospital. Participants were paid and received on-the-job training. Their classwork tuition was also fully paid for under this initiative. Expenses were covered by SEIU/TUF, leaving participants with virtually zero out-of-pocket expenses. Individuals are then placed in a permanent role within one of CCHC’s facilities upon completing their apprenticeship.
During the one-hour celebration at Cape Cod Hospital, several apprentices stood up and shared inspiring stories and expressed their gratitude. “This program provided the avenue for me to pursue my career here at Cape Cod Healthcare,” said Dale Geohagan, a nursing assistant who trained at Cape Cod Hospital, during a video played at the reception. “It has also provided mentorship, support, resources and a network of people you can rely on for advice. I have found a home here and I’m grateful for this fund for giving me a chance to do something that I love.”
For more information, visit capecodhealth.org/careers/nursing-careers/nursing-assistant-apprenticeship-program/
