The Staten Island Performing Provider System (SI PPS) has implemented an innovative apprenticeship program to address critical workforce shortages in healthcare. Through strategic partnerships with local education institutions, labor organizations, and healthcare providers, SI PPS has created career pathways that equip workers with the skills needed to meet the evolving demands of the industry.

This case study outlines how SI PPS designed and launched apprenticeships in fields such as medical assisting and community health work, helping to fill staffing gaps while offering employees structured career advancement opportunities. The initiative demonstrates how on-the-job training, mentorship, and classroom learning can be successfully integrated to build a stronger, more sustainable healthcare workforce. So far SI PPS has created new apprentice positions for community health worker (CHW), certified peer recovery advocate (CPRA), and certified nurse aides (CNAs).

The first class debuted in 2017 with nine students, who took the coursework while working as nursing home health aides. This ensured there was a workforce who knew they were interested in the career and were committed to work for the nursing home. Two-thirds of the participants were home health aides who developed the skills and education to grow from that $10 per hour position to a CNA position, which is part of the union workforce with benefits and a starting salary of $17 per hour.

For healthcare organizations facing similar workforce challenges, this case study provides a compelling example of how apprenticeship programs can be leveraged to recruit, train, and retain skilled professionals.

Myhre, William D. Apprenticeships Answer Emerging Workforce Demands. American Hospital Association. October 2019. https://www.aha.org/case-studies/2019-10-30-apprenticeships-answer-emerging-workforce-demands-staten-island-performing.