To meet the need for more surgical technologists, Flagler Health+ coordinated with CareerSource NEFL to receive state approval and launch the first apprenticeship program for surgical technologists in Northeast Florida in 2022 – becoming the second such program in the state.
“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+ Interim Chief Nursing Officer. “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 five 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.
“Offering an ‘earn-as-you-learn’ opportunity is one-way employers can encourage and support new talent coming into their companies,” said CareerSource NEFL Apprenticeship Navigator Doreen Lund.
In assisting companies in developing apprenticeship programs, Lund works with the CareerSource NEFL Business Services Team, including Carol Cullen, Roben Faircloth, Sean Rush, Brian Lee and Melissa Terbrueggen, along with Brandy Buckingham, who assists with technology, and Bill Lauvre with the Florida Department of Education.
There are other apprenticeship programs underway as well.
Lund notes that CareerSource NEFL assisted ACI Learning in registering two apprenticeships with the State of Florida, Cybersecurity Support Technician, and Tech Support Specialist, coinciding with the
Department of Labor’s (DOL) Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Sprint, an initiative to address the need for diverse employees within the industry.
CareerSource NEFL also worked with Jacksonville-based trucking firm Florida Rock, and Tank (FRT) gets its own state-registered apprenticeship program off the ground. Florida Rock and Tank started their apprenticeship as part of the national DOL 90-Day Trucking Apprenticeship Challenge and is now
spreading its program throughout the State of Florida. CareerSource NEFL is assisting with recruitment and providing funds for training. FRT has also partnered with the military Skillbridge program to bring transferring service members to Florida as apprentices. Jacksonville has become the pilot program for the rest of the state.