RHA Announced as Apprenticeship Ambassador by the U.S. Department of Labor
In November 2021, Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh announced the Apprenticeship Ambassador Initiative to bring together industry, labor, education, equity and workforce leaders to partner with the department’s Office of Apprenticeship to promote Registered Apprenticeships as a valuable workforce strategy in high-demand industries to develop and expand opportunities for people historically underserved.
The goal of RHA’s apprenticeship program is to support the recruitment and retention of entry level healthcare workers such as Certified Nursing Assistants and Community Health Workers. Serving as an “Apprenticeship Sponsor,” RHA assists healthcare employers who need a partner in establishing a program and when possible, finding resources to support apprentices.
“This program is an important strategy in our efforts to improve health in Tennessee,” says Jacy Warrell, Executive Director of RHA. “It has been a great way for us to talk to employers, schools, and other partners about how we can work together to reduce the shortages and increase access to care.”
Wednesday, August 3, 2022, Rural Health Association of Tennessee hosted a signing ceremony to celebrate four of their own employees who are registered as the state’s first Workforce Development Specialist Apprentices. Patty Lane, Workforce Development Director of RHA says, “We are excited to be part of this movement to share the value of apprenticeships in healthcare.”
Pictured in above photo, left to right, RHA’s Apprentices: Beth Keylon, Assistant Workforce Director; April Judkins, Workforce Development Coordinator; Dorshonda Evans, Safety Net Programs Director; Not pictured, Patty Lane, Workforce Development Coordinator.