Newly developed registered apprenticeship program matches career-seekers with hands-on LNA training
Portsmouth, NH – The Edgewood Centre, a nursing home and long-term care facility in Portsmouth, is getting creative in its strategies for hiring and retaining healthcare workers, working in partnership with NH community colleges to develop a pipeline of skilled professionals. The Centre launched a new licensed nursing assistant (LNA) registered apprenticeship program which is an earn-while-you-learn model combining classroom instruction and on-the-job training. The program has been developed in partnership with Manchester Community College (MCC) and the ApprenticeshipNH program, which seeks to address workforce needs in high-demand sectors throughout the state. An initial cohort of eight apprentices will begin the program in March, training to become fully qualified nursing assistants at the facility.
“Our staff are at the core of the resident-driven services that we provide, and it is important for us to provide opportunities like this registered apprenticeship to members of our community,” said Patricia Cummings, administrator for The Edgewood Centre. “The apprenticeship training will allow us to help address the significant shortage of nursing assistants in the state, while also providing an opportunity for apprentices to earn and learn in this fast-growing field.”
About the Program
The program is the first and only in the state of NH using a hybrid learning model that leverages both online learning with in-person classroom and clinical instruction, and apprentices will complete a total of 144 hours of paid classroom instruction time in five weeks. The instruction is offered by Manchester Community College (MCC), with Great Bay Community College in Portsmouth serving as a local training site for MCC’s program. The training will prepare apprentices to sit for the nursing assistant licensure with the state of New Hampshire’s nursing board. The registered apprenticeship program at Edgewood also requires one year/2,000 hours of on-the-job training. On-the-job training enables apprentices to master the skills learned during instruction, with the support of a one-to-one mentor.
“This apprenticeship program enables participants to not only begin an exciting new career path in the industry, but also the opportunity to learn and develop new skills while receiving a paycheck,” said Emily Zeien, grant manager for ApprenticeshipNH.
Opportunity for Growth
Participants will earn wages with incremental raises as they progress. In addition to being licensed with the state board of nursing, apprentices will receive a national occupational credential from the US Department of Labor, verifying that they are fully qualified as nursing assistants.
“The Edgewood Centre is demonstrating their commitment to growing and retaining their talent by developing this apprenticeship opportunity that allows employees to advance. Apprentices will have access to exceptional training and education resources that will prepare them to be successful in a new, high-demand career,” Zeien said. “We applaud them for making such a significant investment in their workforce.”
The Edgewood Centre is now accepting applications for a start date in early March. To learn more and to apply, visit earnlearnnh.org, or contact Emily Zeien at apprenticeshipusanh@ccsnh.edu.
About The Edgewood Centre
Located on the seacoast in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, the Edgewood Centre is an award-winning family owned care facility that specializes in providing rehab, skilled nursing and long-term care in a warm, welcoming environment. The facility has been independently owned and operated for over 30 years, and is focused on providing care that puts the needs, comfort, and dignity of residents first. Customers consistently rate Edgewood as “Best in Class” according to national standards, and provides exceptional amenities including private rooms, individual meal selections, unlimited visiting, complimentary guest meals and much more. For more information, visit http://www.edgewoodcentre.com/
About ApprenticeshipNH
The ApprenticeshipNH Program, housed at the Community College System of New Hampshire, is a unique effort that prepares workers as Registered Apprentices to better compete in the modern workforce. Focusing on the Advanced Manufacturing, Healthcare, Hospitality, Construction, Automotive, Biotechnology and Information Technology sectors, the ApprenticeshipNH Program provides workers with invaluable opportunities to pursue highly-skilled, high-paying jobs, and opportunities for employers seeking to build a qualified workforce in NH. The program is funded through a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
