National Apprenticeship Week

National Apprenticeship Week

by | Nov 12, 2024 | News | 0 comments

Happy National Apprenticeship Week!

National Apprenticeship Week (November 17 – 23, 2024) focuses on how apprenticeship programs help jobseekers and employers by building a strong and diverse workforce.

We are celebrating the power of collaboration between: employers, industry, labor, community-based organizations, workforce partners, educational institutions, and government agencies.

The Training Fund sponsors and administers the Health Care Apprenticeship Consortium (HCAC), a multi-union and multi-employer Washington State-registered Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee. 

Apprenticeship Programs

An apprenticeship starts with a job. These “earn-while-you-learn” programs allow participants to also earn college credit through our college program partnerships.

We offer these apprenticeship programs:

  • Medical Assistant Apprenticeship
  • Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship
  • Behavioral Health Technician Apprenticeship
  • Peer Counselor Apprenticeship
  • Substance Use Disorder Professional Apprenticeship
Learn more about Medical Apprenticeships
Learn more about Behavioral Health Apprenticeships

“Being in this program, I can go to school, work, and get on-the-job training! This program has renewed my self confidence and sense of living, and has made such a positive impact in my life. It’s given me hope that I will be an LPN one day.

I have support from my instructors, mentors, co-workers, and classmates. The program is great for anyone looking to get into the medical field as a Medical Assistant.”

Alexis Young

Medical Assistant, Neighborcare Health

“As a Certified Peer Counselor, we have embraced the profound responsibility of lending an ear, offering guidance, and sharing our own lived experience to foster understanding and healing.

What an amazing assignment this training has afforded! We are putting families back together, building sustainable communities, and forging the path for others to follow.”

Greg Banks

Program Manager, Peer Kent

Our vision is to build state-wide healthcare educational pathways through multiple apprenticeship opportunities, that promote accessibility, retention, and stability within the healthcare workforce.

For Employers

Our apprenticeship programs provide employers with:

  • a pathway to build a skilled workforce
  • lower turnover for apprentices and mentors
  • skills that match your needs and culture
  • increased loyalty and higher productivity among employees

Employers can choose their apprentices. Remote learning options are available near or at your location.

Learn More

For Apprentices

Our apprenticeship programs:

  • are a pathway to your desired healthcare career
  • follow an earn-as-you-learn model, i.e., they start with a job
  • provide college credit
  • include supportive services to help you succeed

Find a program that is right for you. Get hired as an apprentice at one of our employer partners. Connect with us to learn more .

Support Services:

Did you know that we offer assistance up to $2,500 (while grant funding remains), and can help cover these costs (proof of bill required):

  • Housing
  • Utilities
  • Transportation (gas cards, orca cards, etc.)
  • Childcare

Additional services available:

  • Laptop Lending
  • One-on-one instructor tutoring & Exam prep
  • English Language Tutoring
Learn more about the Health Care Apprenticeship Consortium
Welcome to the Training Fund, MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital

Welcome to the Training Fund, MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital

by | Nov 1, 2024 | News | 0 comments

Banner image: White text on a dark blue background across the top reads, "Welcome, Providence Hospice and Home Care members!" Training Fund logo on an orange background on the bottom. Three circular images of hospital workers centered on the right side.

Welcome to our new members from MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital! Beginning January 1st, 2025 you may be eligible for Training Fund programs and services.

We offer education and career advancement programs so that you can develop your skills, advance your career, and improve your professional opportunities. 

Watch our welcome video to learn more about the Training Fund!

Review your Plan of Benefits!

Virtual Info Sessions

Attend a virtual info session to learn more about the Training Fund and benefits and services available to you!

Tuesday, December 3rd, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm: REGISTER

Saturday, December 14th, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm: REGISTER

Friday, January 3rd, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm: REGISTER

Wednesday, January 8th, 11:00am – 1:00 pm: REGISTER

Tuesday, January 14th, 6:00 pm -8:00 pm: REGISTER

“As someone who doesn’t earn a high wage, not having to pay out of pocket upfront is a huge relief. This kind of support makes a real difference for people like me. Access to resources, like tutoring is just as important, and I’m already planning to take advantage of these opportunities when they become available in 2025. The Training Fund represents exactly why we fought so hard for it-to make sure everyone has a fair chance to grow and succeed without financial barriers. I am excited for our Training Fund to begin in January.”

Deshawn Oursland

Phlebotomist, MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital

Benefits after 90 days employment

These programs and services are available to you after you have been employed by MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital for 90 days:

Educational support services: Professional Development Reimbursement $300/year
Academic support workshops Specialty Certification
Tutoring & placement exams Conferences/courses with CEU credits
English Language tutoring Professional memberships with CEU as benefit
Basic computer classes State & Federal license fees required for employment
  • Career and education counseling services: Work with your Regional Education Navigator to explore resources and reach your career and education goals!
  • Free access to CE Unlimited courses through HealthStream
  • and so much more!

Please fill out our online member application to access available academic and career navigation services.

Benefits after 1 year employment: Tuition Assistance

  Tuition Assistance

Once you have worked at MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital for one year, you may also qualify for Tuition Assistance, which covers:

  • Tuition 
  • School fees, standard tests including entrance, placement or learning disability assessments required or recommended by the educational institution
  • Required, recommended or optional course textbooks/software/ supplies noted by the course requirements
  • Foreign Transcript Evaluations

for a wide variety of approved healthcare education programs at regional colleges and universities.

Your primary Tuition Assistance application deadline is February 15th, 2025 if you plan to attend school Spring Quarter 2025 or later. We encourage members to contact us early to work with a Training Fund Navigator on your education plan. Our annual Tuition Assistance deadline is October 15th for the following academic year.

Preapproval is required for funding. In addition to reimbursement for tuition costs, we provide Tuition Assistance vouchers so you do not have to pay up front!

Click here to learn more about Tuition Assistance.

Submit your Member Application form today to connect with a Regional Education Navigator & get started. We’re here to help you achieve your education & career goals!

Even if you have not yet worked at MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital for one year, please contact us to explore academic support and resources, career planning, and how we can help you reach your goals.

Submit a Member Application form!
Review your Plan of Benefits!

Meet your Regional Education Navigator

Abigail LeRiche

(425)- 473-0864 

 

Photo of Allison a white woman with blonde hair standing outside smiling wearing a yellow shirt and green jacket.

Meet your Partner Liaison

Allison Holmes

425-306-7425
 

We look forward to serving you as you pursue your education and career goals.

If you have questions or need help applying, please don’t hesitate to call the Training Fund office (425-255-0315) or email us.

End-of-Year reimbursement deadline is Dec 31!

End-of-Year reimbursement deadline is Dec 31!

by | Oct 29, 2024 | News | 0 comments

Blue and orange banner with Training Fund logo and text "Let us cover your 2024 expenses..."

Reimbursement Deadline: December 31, 2024

Submit your 2024 tuition assistance, education, training, or professional development reimbursement funding requests by Dec. 31. We encourage you to submit funding requests and supporting documentation early to make the deadline.

Note: The Training Fund office will be closed from Dec 24, 2024 – Jan 01, 2025.

Although you can continue submitting reimbursement funding requests through Dec 31, our staff will not be available to respond or provide support while our office is closed.

Submit your reimbursement funding request early!

Tuition Assistance

Submit Tuition Assistance funding requests with this request form.

Professional Development

Eligible Professional Development activities can be reimbursed using these forms. Be sure to use the form under your Bargaining Unit (Service, Professional/Technical, or RN).  

Not sure which bargaining unit you belong to? Look up your union contract and search for your employer and job title. Or contact us.

Your $300/year Professional Development benefit now covers State and Federal licenses required for employment as of September 1, 2024.

Professional Development now covers License Fees

Professional Development now covers License Fees

by | Oct 15, 2024 | News | 0 comments

The Training Fund Professional Development benefit has now been expanded to cover reimbursement for State and Federal licenses required for employment, and eligible professional development activities for all bargaining units!

Members can use this benefit to seek reimbursement for any activity/payment from September 1, 2024 onward.

You can now use your $300/year Professional Development reimbursement benefit to cover State and Federal licenses required for employment.

  • This also includes annual WA Department of Health License Renewals

 You will need to provide:

  • valid proof of payment
    • (Receipt that includes: Name, Date of payment & Paid activity)
  • a copy of your license info that was paid when making this request
    • (screenshot directly from the DOH website – after renewal – is acceptable proof)

Make sure you submit all 2024 funding requests before the Dec 31 deadline (see below).

 

Learn More & Access Request Forms

Professional Development Benefits
Tuition Assistance Snapshot: In 2021, 1,061 members used Tuition Assistance to support their education goals. Maximum TA amounts are: $3,500 for Service Bargaining Unit members, and $5,250 for Pro/Tech and RN Bargaining Unit members.
End-of-Year Reimbursement Deadline: December 31, 2024

Submit your reimbursement funding requests for 2024 tuition assistance, education, training, or professional development by Dec. 31, 2024. The sooner, the better!

NOTE: The Training Fund Office is closed Dec. 24 –  31, 2024

Although you can continue submitting reimbursement funding requests through Dec 31, our staff will not be available to respond or provide support while our office is closed.

Submit your reimbursement funding request early!

Photo of a diverse group of healthcare workers siting and writing.
Medical Assistants Week 2024: Training Fund benefits for Service members

Medical Assistants Week 2024: Training Fund benefits for Service members

by | Oct 9, 2024 | News | 0 comments

Happy Medical Assistants Week!

Medical Assistants Recognition Week, October 21-25, celebrates Medical Assistants (MAs) and the important work that they do in healthcare settings.

We have several programs, opportunities, and support services to help MAs (as Service Bargaining Unit members) achieve their education and career goals.

Benefits for Training Fund Service Members

Tuition Assistance

Tuition Assistance (TA) can cover school-related costs like tuition, books, and other fees for approved programs. After 1 year with your employer, Service bargaining unit members can apply for Tuition Assistance.

Increase in Tuition Assistance for Service members!

Eligible Service members can now apply for up to $5,250 in Tuition Assistance. The previous annual maximum cap for Service members was $3,500.

This is a limited-time opportunity that is only available on a first-come-first-served basis, or while available grant funds remains.

Learn More

Blue background with quote and photo of Theresa Rosenfeld "The additional Service member Tuition Assistance funding made it possible for me to accept my spot in the LPN program. It was what I needed to cover required books and nursing specific supplies. If I did not have this additional funding, I might have had to take a year off of school, instead of taking this step in my education"- Theresa Rosenfeld, Medical Assistant, Kaiser Permanente, Member Since 2021.
Professional Development
Service members can access to up to $300/year in Professional Development reimbursement for: 

  • Continuing Education Unit (CEU) conference registration, courses, and required materials 
  • Professional Memberships 
  • National Certifications exams or courses/review materials that prepare members for those exams

You can also use your Professional Development funds to cover the cost of BLS/CPR/ACLS/PALS Certification through LifeTek. Training Fund members receive a discount! Learn More

You also have free access to unlimited CEU courses through HealthStream.

English Tutoring
Improve your listening, speaking, reading, and writing with the Training Fund’s SMRT English program that has English Language courses specifically designed for healthcare professionals.

This easy-to-use, fun, online English learning includes a personal English Tutor, healthcare-specific English lessons, support for every level of English, and training on using computers and the internet safely. SMRT English tutoring is free for Training Fund members.

Connect with your Training Fund Navigator to discuss your tutoring needs before requesting a tutor.

Questions? Email  or call us at (425) 255-0315.

Laptop & Hotspot Lending

Laptop Lending

We partner with Eduscape to provide laptops – free of charge – to Training Fund members who are currently enrolled in Training Fund programs. This short-term laptop loan can help you achieve your education goals. Loans generally cannot exceed 90 days, and our staff can work with you to overcome barriers and get your own permanent device.

Mobile Hotspot Lending

The Training Fund provides mobile hotspots – free of charge –  for eligible members who have limited Internet connectivity and are participating in approved Training Fund programs. These hotspots are provided by our partner, Eduscape.

Get connected to these lending programs and explore other supportive services.

Interested in becoming a Medical Assistant? Learn more about our MA Apprenticeship Program