Flagler Health+ is partnering with CareerSource Northeast Florida to train surgical technologists through an apprenticeship program, with the state planning to reimburse the health care system for part of the cost of training. (Courtesy of Jacksonville Business Journal)
The year-long program, which launched in August, has six participants who already worked for Flagler Health signed up for the training.
CareerSource NEFL is in the process of finalizing a contract with Flagler but plans to reimburse the hospital up to $50,000 for the program, with the money coming from the federal government.
The program is the first of its kind in Northeast Florida. The workers are being trained to do tasks like prepare operating rooms and assist physicians during surgery.
“We were looking for a new way to identify and assist people who wanted to enter this field,” said Flagler Health + Vice President of Education Services and Patient Experience Donna Wagner, “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.”
The program that funds the apprenticeships is open to other employers in Northeast Florida. The customized training program is designed to help companies that are doing things like introducing new technologies or upgrading workers to new jobs.
“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,” CareerSource NEFL President Bruce Ferguson said in a statement. “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.”