Community Health Worker Apprenticeship Program developing next generation of healthcare professionals
Employers needed
From Staff Reports
Governors State University’s (GovState) School of Extended Learning (SXL) is partnering with local employers to train community health workers through an apprenticeship program set to strengthen the healthcare workforce while providing career pathways for apprentices.
Community health workers (CHW) are frontline public health professionals who act as a bridge between communities and health or social service systems. With the CHW Apprenticeship Program, employers can develop skilled talent in the healthcare field by combining on-the-job work with classroom learning, creating a productive and loyal workforce.
CHWs will be trained to:
Provide health education and coaching
Connect individuals to healthcare, social services, and community resources
Assist with navigation of complex systems (insurance, housing, benefits)
Support individuals in managing chronic conditions
Conduct outreach, home visits, and follow-up care
Promote health equity and address social determinants of health
Raven Barnes, a student in the CHW program, is grateful for the knowledge, guidance, and experiences the program has offered.
“I truly love this program and appreciate the opportunity to learn alongside my peers, build meaningful connections, and network with others who share a passion for serving our communities,” said Raven. “I hope this program continues to help me grow professionally, elevate my knowledge, and learn new strategies and tactics that I can apply in my work.”
Benefits for employer partners:
Gain a new employee or upskill a current valued employee
Customize training to meet the organization’s needs
Training provided by an accredited university
Funds may be available to support wages
Connect with the community to share resources, knowledge, and prevention strategies
Increase employee productivity and retention
Employers interested in learning more about the program and how they can get involved can attend the next virtual info session on September 16 at 11:30 a.m. Click here to attend.