Students studying to become a (CNA) or nurse aide (NA) in the Health Science Pathway will benefit from a contract awarded to the state’s CNA Apprenticeship Program. The contract supports a seamless transition from CNA training at Windward CC to a paid apprenticeship position with one of the program’s 10 employer-partners.
Each employer in the network is committed to providing on-the-job apprenticeship positions to students seeking state certification as a CNA or NA apprentice. The 2,000-hour advanced apprenticeship training includes tuition waivers.
- Employer-partners network: Adventist Health at Castle Medical Center, Kuakini Geriatric Care, Aloha Nursing and Rehab Center, Lunalilo Home, Ann Pearl Care Home, Maunalani Nursing and Rehab Center, Hale 碍ūʻ颈办别 Bayside, Nuʻuanu Hale, Kīnā ʻOle Estate and Good Samaritan Society-Pohai Nani
?The CNA Apprenticeship Program is designed to train students to qualify for higher wage jobs in the healthcare industry by continually building on the foundation of the nurse aide profession. The apprenticeship program will connect students with employers to reduce the NA and CNA workforce shortages. Of the top 50 fastest-growing occupations in Hawaiʻi, personal and home care aide is ranked number 1 (Hawaiʻi Department of Labor). This increase in the demand for healthcare workers is primarily the result of a growing and aging population.
Jamie Boyd, Windward CC’s director for the Health Careers Pathway, wrote the contract proposal and formed the employer-partners network. “We will connect each CNA or nurse aide with employer-partners that match their career plans. Students can persist in higher education courses while completing the apprenticeship,” said Boyd.
Course begins August 21
The first 7-week certified nurse aide course will start on?August 21. Five classes per year are scheduled to train 50 new apprentices.
To apply, or for more information about the Windward CC CNA Apprenticeship Program and Nursing Pathway, visit the or contact apprenticeship program Manager Noe Puaauli?via email or call (808) 235-7329.
—By Bonnie Beatson