In a groundbreaking initiative to address the critical shortage of healthcare workers in Texas, Houston Community College (HCC) and Dwyer Workforce Development have launched the state’s first pre-apprenticeship program in healthcare.
This innovative collaboration aims to bridge the gap between education and employment, providing students with the necessary skills and support to enter high-demand careers in the healthcare field.
The loss of almost 40% of the state’s certified nurse assistants (CNAs) in the last ten years and a notable rise in the state’s senior population, which is predicted to more than double from 3.9 million in 2020 to 8.3 million by 2050, highlight the urgent need to train healthcare personnel. In addition to preparing students for in-demand healthcare jobs in hospitals and doctor’s offices, the Gulf Coast Region Apprenticeship Hub Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program will help them acquire the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to provide crucial care to residents of long-term care facilities.
“We partnered with Dwyer on a full apprenticeship program and saw tremendous success,” said Dr. Christina Robinson, Executive Director of Work-Based Learning and Industry Partnerships at HCC. “The pre-apprenticeship program was a natural extension to create a talent pipeline and offer individuals a faster pathway into the healthcare field.”
One of the program’s key advantages is its comprehensive wraparound support services. Students receive assistance with childcare, transportation, and even laptop access, ensuring financial barriers do not hinder their academic success.
Additionally, the program provides career counseling, mentorship, and specialized training to prepare students for the rigors of healthcare education and employment.
“We are not just teaching them the skills; we are also equipping them with the tools they need to succeed,” Dr. Robinson said. “This includes study skills, critical thinking, and the ability to navigate the complexities of higher education.”
Ulises Gonzalez, who is currently working toward becoming a registered nurse, said the pre-apprenticeship has been a pivotal step in gaining hands-on experience.
“My main focus for the apprenticeship was to gain experience in healthcare and apply it to my studies. I’m taking prerequisites to become a registered nurse, and I want to use what I learned on the floor in my future career,” Gonzalez said. This real-world training is crucial, especially for students like him pursuing careers that require a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application.
Gonzalez described how the program helped him navigate real-life situations and develop the skills necessary to thrive in healthcare environments. “It helped me learn how to deal with heavy stress situations and maintain my composure. On the floor, I learned about different terminologies and how to react to real-life situations. You can go to school, but you’ll only perfect your craft through experience,” he told the Defender.
For him, the program was more than just a stepping stone; it confirmed his career choice. “Ever since I was young, I wanted to go into some kind of health science. My father suggested nursing, and it felt like a rewarding and fulfilling path,” he said. “All I want to do is help people.”
Maria Darby, Chief Operating Officer of Dwyer Workforce Development, said the program’s ultimate goal is to ensure that participants have the resources to make informed career decisions. “Whether a participant chooses to work at one of our 64 facilities or elsewhere, the focus is on helping them direct their own career while receiving the necessary support,” she said.
The program accepts applications from individuals interested in entering the healthcare field. Darby encouraged potential applicants to explore their options by taking advantage of the pre-apprenticeship. “It’s a time commitment but an excellent way to see if healthcare is for you. And if it is, there’s a clear path forward,” she said.
For more information and to apply, visit HCC’s website or contact apprenticeship.hub@hccs.edu.
