Inaugural cohort of apprentices recognized for completing component of apprenticeship
The Hillsborough County Nursing Home recognized and honored the inaugural class of six licensed nursing assistant (LNA) apprentices who recently completed the educational component of their apprenticeship program through ApprenticeshipNH. The celebration was held on Friday, February 14 at the Hillsborough Country Nursing Home in Goffstown where they, alongside training provider Manchester Community College (MCC), awarded the six apprentices certificates of completion.
The six apprentices include Aaron Weatherbee of Hampstead, Norma Richards, Mackenzie Pelkey and Kierstin Collanzo of Weare and Leslie Segura and Prisca Mongi of Manchester. By completing the program, they will be eligible to advance their careers at the nursing home and increase their earnings potential, pending passing the required licensing exam.
Hillsborough’s LNA Registered Apprenticeship program is made possible through a partnership with Manchester Community College (MCC) and ApprenticeshipNH. ApprenticeshipNH is a program housed at the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) which works to address workforce needs in high-demand sectors throughout the state by helping employers develop Registered Apprenticeships that combine classroom instruction and on-the-job training.
This LNA registered apprenticeship launched in January 2020 with six apprentices hired by the nursing home. The apprenticeship program requires 144 hours of coursework including in-class training and clinical rotations, provided by MCC. All six apprentices were recognized for completing this training are now prepared to sit for their NH Board of Nursing’s state licensing exam for nursing assistants the week of February 23. Upon obtaining their licenses, apprentices will go on to complete 2,000 hours of on-the-job training over the course of one year with the support of a mentor.
David Ross, administrator for the Hillsborough County Nursing Home, attended the celebration, along with county commissioners. As one of a few employers in New Hampshire to develop an LNA registered apprenticeship, Hillsborough is making an investment in their healthcare workforce while also providing a career path in the industry to jobseekers.
“We are proud of all that our apprentices have accomplished so far and are committed to their long-term success as they continue their apprenticeship journey,” said Ross of the company’s involvement in Registered Apprenticeship.
To learn more about the ApprenticeshipNH program, including additional apprenticeship and sponsorship opportunities, contact ApprenticeshipNH Grant Manager Emily Zeien at apprenticeshipusanh@ccsnh.edu.
About ApprenticeshipNH
The ApprenticeshipNH Program, housed at the Community College System of New Hampshire, is a unique effort that prepares individuals through Registered Apprenticeship programs to more effectively participate in the modern workforce. Focusing on the Advanced Manufacturing, Construction and Infrastructure, Healthcare, Hospitality and Information Technology sectors, the ApprenticeshipNH Program provides NH residents 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.
About MCC Workforce Development Center
The Workforce Development Center (WDC) at MCC responds quickly to the changing needs of business and industry and provides lifelong learning and professional development opportunities. The center provides training for people who need to sharpen their existing skills or learn new ones, maintain professional licenses or certifications and for people who are looking for advancement or a new career challenge. The WDC also collaborates with organizations to assess their training needs and provide high-quality customized non-credit and certificate courses and programs, which can be delivered at MCC or at your place of business. The WDC offers training in numerous fields including: Allied Health, Manufacturing, Business, Leadership & Communication, Computer Skills, and English as a Second Language.
