Jacksonville, Fla. (Aug. 30, 2022) To meet the need for more surgical technologists, Flagler Health+ coordinated with CareerSource Northeast Florida (CareerSource NEFL) to receive state approval and launch the first apprenticeship program for surgical technologists in Northeast Florida.
“Surgical technologists prepare operating rooms and assist physicians during surgery, and we were looking for a new way to identify and assist people who wanted to enter this field,” said Donna Wagner, Flagler Health + Vice President of Education Services and Patient Experience. “By establishing an apprenticeship program, participants can earn money while they are in training, learn a new skill and help us fill this need in the future.”
Flagler’s Surgical Tech Apprenticeship classes began on Aug. 8, with six participants receiving classroom and on-the-job training over the next 12 months. All apprentices were already employed by Flagler Health+ in other areas of the hospital and were interested in moving into a new career. Apprentices did not need any required education above a high school diploma or GED and are considered full-time employees during training – receiving full benefits and pay increases as they learn new skills.
Flagler Health+ worked with CareerSource NEFL, which provided introductory information and case-managed the program through development and approval at the state level with the Florida Department of Education. CareerSource NEFL also secured funding to offset the cost of apprenticeship training.
“This is another way employers can encourage and support new talent coming into their companies, while at the same time offering a ‘earn-as-you-learn’ opportunity for job seekers,” said CareerSource NEFL President Bruce Ferguson. “Apprenticeships have been around a long time in the trades, but we’re introducing the concept to employers in a variety of industries – and promoting it among job seekers, as well.”
Ferguson notes that employers achieve a positive return on investment by increasing employee retention, with improvements in production capability and quality assurance because their people are well-trained, while also helping them achieve diversity goals.
For more information about apprenticeship programs, employers and job seekers should visit https://careersourcenortheastflorida.com/apprenticeships/.
CareerSource NEFL is responsible for providing a trained workforce to the employers in Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns counties. For more information, visit careersourcenefl.com.
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Media Contacts:
Ron Whittington, 904.563.0402 (cell), rwhittington@careersourcenefl.com
Erin Wallner, 904.318.5849 (cell), Erin.Wallner@FlaglerHealth.org