09/11/2019

LeadingAge Ohio and Lorain County Community College Host Lt. Governor Husted, Chancellor Gardner, and Public Officials to Celebrate Apprenticeships

Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted, Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Randy Gardner, and other public officials joined LeadingAge Ohio and Lorain County Community College (LCCC) at LCCC to unveil an apprenticeship pathway for STNAs and healthcare. LCCC joins Columbus State Community College and Edison State Community College in offering these programs. 

STNA apprentices completing the program will earn 15 college credits with tuition assistance, receive 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and earn an industry recognized credential with the opportunity to continue their education on a structured pathway from STNA to LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) to RN (Registered Nurse). 

"Healthcare apprenticeships are a strong model for the future to help people break into the healthcare industry, supply employers with the talent they need, and provide better care to Ohio patients," said Lt. Governor Jon Husted. "I applaud Lorain County Community College for leading on this issue and helping to solve critical workforce needs in Northeast Ohio."

The apprenticeship was made possible through the partnership between LeadingAge Ohio and LCCC, as well as other community colleges affiliated with the Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC), with LeadingAge Ohio taking the charge to engage employers in the development and implementation of this new program. 

"Apprenticeship programs are valuable recruitment and retention tools for employers to use to build their talent pipelines," said LCCC President Marcia Ballinger, Ph.D.  "We are pleased to be partnering with LeadingAge Ohio in the development of this apprenticeship pathway in healthcare."

This week’s announcement supports a larger statewide priority to expand apprenticeships to in-demand industries such as advanced manufacturing, information technology and healthcare.  

"This is a celebration of what we can achieve with partnerships in Ohio, especially in allied health careers that really make a difference," said Randy Gardner, Chancellor of the Ohio Department of Education.

Kathryn Brod, President/CEO of LeadingAge Ohio adds, “I urge LeadingAge Ohio member organizations to consider employees across their organizations -- not just those in the healthcare arena. Perhaps there’s a housekeeper you know has the skills and heart to be a good STNA.  If so, that individual might be an excellent candidate for the apprenticeship. LeadingAge Ohio will come alongside these employees -- often first generation college students -- to help make their entry into college a step toward success.” For organizations who have employees that may be good candidates for the apprenticeship program or simply to learn more, contact Kathryn Brod at kbrod@leadingageohio.org.