May 18, 2020
Hannibal, MO. – Corey Mehaffy, Executive Director of the Hannibal Regional Economic Development Council (HREDC) announced today that his organization was notified that Beth Haven Nursing Home is a new U.S. Dept. of Labor (USDOL) Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) Sponsor.
Mehaffy indicated that the Beth Haven Apprenticeship Program is one of several in the HREDC Region. Other program sponsors include Hannibal Regional Healthcare System, Douglass Community Services and Lovegreen Motors. According to Mehaffy, several other employers in the Region are working towards establishing Apprenticeship Programs.
Mehaffy added, “Over the last year, the HREDC Workforce Development Committee has been working with employers in the area to provide information on this program. We are confident that this program can be a valuable asset for employers looking to recruit and retain a quality workforce in tight labor markets. We have offered presentations at our Employer Round Table events, Workforce Development Committee meetings and our annual Workforce Summit to name a few.” Mehaffy indicated that he has been talking with area employers about the program during his business retention visits as well.
Registered Apprenticeship is a highly flexible “earn while you learn” training model for employment that pays more as a worker (apprentice) reaches higher productivity levels. In addition to rewarding performance, Registered Apprenticeship combines employer-driven job-related instruction with extensive on-the-job learning under the supervision of a trade professional. After completing a Registered Apprenticeship, the apprentice receives a nationally-recognized occupational credential that communicates the standards and high level of training that their employer provides.
Mehaffy added, “One of things that impresses me about the program is the data from DOL that indicates that employers who offer the program see a higher retention rate among employees as the employees feel that their employers have made an investment in their training, and future.” Mehaffy went on to say that, “The program is a highly customizable, employer-driven career skills training model that can be customized to meet the needs of any employer, in any sector and of any size.”
Paul Ewert, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of Beth Haven identified the Apprenticeship Program as a possible solution for some of the difficulty in training Certified Nurse Assistants (CNA). Ewert added, “CNA’s are used in various areas of healthcare and this training will expand the pool of qualified CNA’s for not only Beth Haven but also other healthcare providers in our community. A CNA is a valuable part of the overall healthcare team, and also a place for individuals to begin the career who may later desire to achieve advanced license and certifications.”
Mehaffy indicated that he would like to see more employers in the HREDC Region offer Registered Apprenticeship Programs. Mehaffy added, “While the program is completely customizable, there are over 1,300 USDOL apprenticeable occupations already in the system from HVAC technicians to wine growers. Employers can create an individual training program for their company or even a shared program in support of multiple companies to expand the overall pool of candidates for a specific job classification.”
For more information on the Registered Apprenticeship Program visit the following link: https://jobs.mo.gov/content/moapprenticeships
HREDC works to promote financial investment in Hannibal, and Marion and Ralls Counties. For more information on the organization, please visit their website at www.hredc.com.
