Our Learners say it best!

Kidist’s Success Story

Kidist Tessema, a mother, immigrant, and future nurse has just passed the Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC) Exam after completing the Introduction to Healthcare Employment & Apprenticeship Program (IHAP) course in June and the Nursing Assistant-Certified training program in August.

When she was looking for a CNA program, she learned about the Training Fund’s IHAP course. She delayed signing up to prioritize her family as she was having a baby, but then jumped right into the class in May. 

“I started with IHAP, and they helped me learn to write a resume and how to do a lot of things. They are like family now and everyone tries to help. When I call, they answer. They really are there for us and I want to thank them.” 

Taking the IHAP course and going on to the Nursing Assistant Training program with a newborn and a seven-year-old was incredibly challenging for her. 

“Because I couldn’t work, it was a really hard time. In the middle of class I thought, ‘I have to go back to work. I can’t pay my bills.’ I was stressed. It was very hard for me not going to work. I also had to leave my baby and needed a babysitter. When we started the skills lab, I was going to give up. But Yusuf, our IHAP Navigator, encouraged me and helped me a lot. He told me not to worry and that the program would support me.” 

Financial assistance and a community of support made it possible for Kidist to continue pursuing her goal. She is determined to keep learning and finds purpose in helping people. Kidist also encourages others looking for a good job to think about a career in healthcare. 

“I love this job. I was crying seeing people suffering, but it is very nice to see I can do something to help them and that is my goal, so it makes me very happy. This position is very good for my future. Helping people and just being there for them to do small things makes a difference. I love this job.”  

This is just the beginning for Kidist as she continues in her healthcare journey and pursuit of becoming a nurse.  

“You helped me and now I think I can do it and even go on to study more. It might take longer, but I can do it. Thank you!” 

Mohammad Jammeh 

Unit Secretary/CNA – Gero Psychiatric Unit & LTCC (Long Term Civil Commitment) | UW Medicine

As a Certified Nursing Assistant, I work closely with patients to provide hands-on care and support with their daily living activities. I primarily work in a long-term care unit and geropsychiatric unit, so most of the individuals I care for are either elderly or young adults. Many of our patients live with chronic conditions like dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, and other neurocognitive disorders. I’ve always been someone who wants to help people, especially those who are vulnerable or struggling. I saw firsthand how much of a difference the nurses and CNAs made—not just physically, but emotionally. They were kind, patient, and made a scary situation feel manageable.

I often felt like I wanted to do more than just provide physical support; I wanted to understand what they were going through mentally and emotionally too. That’s what led me to the Behavioral Health Tech apprenticeship. I saw it as a way to build on my CNA skills and expand into a field where I could support the whole person, not just the body, but the mind as well.

The Behavioral Health Tech (BHT) Apprenticeship matched my learning style by combining hands-on learning with real-world experience. Since I am a CNA, I have patient care experience, but I wanted to learn in a disciplined and supportive method. It aligned perfectly with my career goals and values.

To me, this opportunity meant a chance to grow, learn, and move forward, both personally and professionally. It meant stepping into roles that challenged me, building meaningful connections, and gaining experiences that shaped the kind of nurse I wanted to become.

Behavioral health’s emotional needs were one of my biggest concerns. Supporting people through tough and even horrific situations is hard, especially when you’re learning. The program supported me on this journey with mentorship, supervision, and open communication. The instructor provided a safe space for me to communicate, process, and gain confidence.

My goal is to continue to grow within the health field and eventually become an RN/BSN. I’m passionate about supporting individuals through recovery and mental health challenges, and I want to continue to deepen my knowledge through continued education and experience.