Michigan Business Beat | Teri Sand, CAMW! Business Services Team Helping Registered Apprenticeships

Originally uploaded December 26, re-edited February 19th. Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Teri Sand, SHRM-CP, PHR, CBSP, CRP, Business Services Manager, Capital Area Michigan Works!, Lansing, MI, but serving Ingham Eaton, and Clinton Counties THEME: Capital Area Michigan Works! Business Services Manager Teri Sand discusses the importance of Registered Apprenticeships, particularly in the healthcare field, and how CAMW! supports the development of healthcare apprenticeships in the region. Question: What are Registered Apprenticeships and what challenges do they help address in the workforce? Registered Apprenticeships are structured, industry-driven career pathways that provide individuals with classroom instruction and a nationally recognized credential that demonstrates their skills and qualifications. They are a valuable alternative to traditional education routes like college degrees, as they provide a direct route to meaningful careers and provide on-the-job learning in a variety of career fields. They also allow individuals to develop specialized skills while earning a paycheck and gaining work experience, unlike other forms of education. Registered Apprenticeships address multiple challenges in the workforce including talent shortages, increasing demand for services, workforce retention, staffing and skill gaps. They help improve employee retention by offering workers a clear career path and the skills needed for advancement. This is especially critical in healthcare, where high turnover and burnout can significantly affect the quality of care. Many employers in evolving industries face challenges in closing skill gaps — the difference between the skills needed for positions and the skills job seekers possess. Apprenticeships are a critical talent pipeline for organizations because they provide targeted training to equip workers with specific, up-to-date skills. Question: Why is there a growing need for Registered Apprenticeships in the healthcare field? There are many factors that pose workforce challenges in the healthcare field. Employment in healthcare is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2032, with 1.8 million openings per year, creating a significant demand for skilled workers. Talent shortages, burnout among healthcare workers and increasing skill demands have made it difficult for employers to keep pace with growing demand. Question: What is the current state of Registered Apprenticeships in the healthcare industry and how are they helping address workforce challenges and meet growing skill demands? Employers are increasingly turning towards registered apprenticeships as they allow them to recruit a diverse workforce, reduce turnover and instill their company culture more effectively. In 2023, the number of registered apprentices in the healthcare field reached 24,492, marking a 169% increase over the past five years. Question: How does CAMW! collaborate with local healthcare businesses to implement apprenticeship opportunities and what are some examples of apprenticeship programs CAMW! supports? CAMW! works closely with businesses to tailor apprenticeship opportunities that align with industry demands, ensuring that both employers and apprentices benefit from a structured, hands-on training experience. Question: Where can people go if they want to learn more about health apprenticeships in the Lansing region? More information about healthcare apprenticeships can be found under the “explore career options” tab on CAMW!’s website, www.camw.org.