Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, Carteret Health Care is proud to shine a spotlight on the talented apprentices enrolled in the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) curriculum at Carteret Community College. This collaborative effort between Carteret Health Care and Carteret Community College underscores the power of local partnerships in developing a skilled healthcare workforce right here in our community. National Apprenticeship Week, established by the U.S. Department of Labor, shines a spotlight on the value of Registered Apprenticeships across the country. Through this partnership, Carteret Health Care and Carteret Community College are creating meaningful career pathways and providing the training, skills, and real-world experience needed to meet the growing demand for healthcare professionals in our area and across the nation.

In December 2023, Carteret Health Care and Carteret Community College partnered to offer an exciting opportunity for CNA students: a Registered Apprenticeship program through ApprenticeshipNC. This innovative program allows students to gain paid, hands-on experience in a hospital setting while continuing their education at Carteret Community College. As healthcare demand grows, it’s more important than ever to create pathways for aspiring professionals. This program provides students with the chance to receive on-the-job training while earning wages, allowing them to gain practical skills and work experience that will set them on a path to success in healthcare.

What makes this program special? The CNA Apprenticeship program at Carteret Health Care offers a unique opportunity for students to gain flexible, paid work experience while continuing their studies in an accelerated CNA program at Carteret Community College. Participants earn an income and receive an additional stipend during their training, providing financial support as they gain hands-on experience in an acute care setting. During this time, apprentices are paired with nursing mentors who offer personalized guidance and real-world insights into the healthcare field. The combination of classroom learning at Carteret Community College and on-the-job training prepares students to become highly skilled Certified Nursing Assistants. Graduates of the program also have the opportunity to transition into full-time positions with benefits at Carteret Health Care. Additionally, the apprenticeship serves as a pathway to further career advancement, with access to various healthcare career options, including advanced nursing degrees and specializations. To support ongoing education, Carteret Health Care offers scholarship opportunities for apprentices who wish to pursue higher levels of nursing or other healthcare career pathways. These scholarships provide valuable financial assistance for continuing education, helping students advance their careers to ease the burden of tuition costs.

Through partnerships like this one, workforce development initiatives are helping build a more robust healthcare system while addressing the critical demand for skilled professionals. At Carteret Health Care, apprenticeships are more than just training—they are the foundation of a long-term, fulfilling career in healthcare. With competitive wages, flexible schedules, and the potential for advancement, the CNA Apprenticeship program is an incredible opportunity for students to begin their healthcare journey.

As National Apprenticeship Week continues to highlight the importance of career pathways, we encourage you to learn more about the CNA Apprenticeship program at Carteret Community College. For more information, visit Carteret Community College’s CNA Apprenticeship webpage or contact Rhonda Piner, Chair of the CNA Program, at 252-222-6101.