Our Learners say it best!

Kianna’s Success Story

Kianna Hill was one of 14 graduates from the Introduction to Healthcare Employment and Apprenticeship Program (IHAP) in partnership with Seattle Jobs Initiative in Spring, 2024.

The IHAP employment program trains entry-level job seekers for healthcare careers and is free of cost to participants. It consists of two phases: Phase 1 is a three-week Healthcare Foundations class that helps participants explore a range of healthcare careers and develop workplace readiness. Phase 2 consists of a six- to eight -week NA-C Training program.

Kianna completed both phases of IHAP, including online classes, hands-on labs, and onsite clinical training. As the graduation speaker for her IHAP cohort, Kianna shared her motivation for enrolling in IHAP:

“My passion is caregiving. Unfortunately, I struggled with addiction issues. My addiction ended up taking me away from my family, my friends, and my passion. I had to change the people and places around me, and am gaining two years of sobriety this month.

I decided to enroll in the IHAP program after I saw others complete the IHAP and NA-C programs.

This is an opportunity to get back into my passion.”

IHAP also offers free wrap-around support services to help learners succeed and complete the program. These comprehensive options include: all program supplies, vaccination and clinical readiness assistance, scrubs, tutoring, and test registration and preparation.

Our IHAP Navigator is also able to connect participants with additional resources including childcare and transportation support, resume and cover letter assistance, and more!

Our apprentices say it best!

Greg’s Success Story

Greg Banks has always wanted to serve others in his community.  

Peer Counselors work with and empower diverse clients to overcome obstacles associated with substance use and other behavioral health disorders. Since completing the Peer Counselor Behavioral Health Apprenticeship program, Greg Banks continues following his dream as a Case Manager Peer Support Specialist at Ideal Option.

Greg brings his own lived experience – both as an abuse survivor and as someone who has battled addiction since the age of 11 years:

“I needed someone in my life that would have been able to sit with me and listen to me. I want to be that ear of understanding, empathy and hope. I saw this as an opportunity to gain more knowledge about mental health and behavioral health so that I can better serve those that are suffering.

The struggles that we have all endured over the years have not overcome us – they make us stronger.”

The Peer Counselor apprenticeship program trains learners to develop peer support skills and competencies and enable clients to live better and healthier lives. A previous boss encouraged Greg to pursue the Peer Counselor behavioral health apprenticeship, and his instructors built his confidence to succeed.

Greg shares an experience that demonstrates the power of an effective support network:  

“My car was broken into three times and even stolen once. My sense of security was demolished, and I had a mental breakdown in the middle of class. I leaned on my classmates and my amazing instructor. I got so much support that day that it gave me the strength to move forward.

This, to me, is the epitome of what peer support is all about.” 

Greg has also leveraged additional Training Fund opportunities and supports to attend and participate in regional and national conferences. These experiences have inspired him to work toward becoming a professional advocate for peer support and networks.  

“We have the opportunity to hold space for people where they congregate.

We get to see people that society would like to turn a blind eye to, to share our stories of hope and courage, and show others the possibility of recovery.”

Our members say it best!

Amanda’s Success Story

Amanda Chu is Medical Assistant at UW Medical Center Northwest Campus.

She completed the Health Care Apprenticeship Consortium’s Medical Assistant Apprenticeship program and is now using the Training Fund to further her healthcare career and achieve her education goals.  

Previously from Arizona, Amanda wanted to go to school and become a Medical Assistant but could not afford to lower her work hours to attend school full time. After she moved to Washington in 2022, she learned about the Medical Assistant Apprenticeship program and knew it was the perfect fit. 

The earn-while-you-learn Medical Assistant Apprenticeship program allows learners to work full time, receive classroom instruction and on-the-job training from an assigned mentor – all while getting paid. Apprentices also have access to wrap-around support services to support program success and completion.  

Now that she has completed the apprenticeship and passed the Medical Assistant Certification Exam, Amanda has access to additional Training Fund member benefits on her journey to become an RN.

“Over the years I’ve had different jobs in the healthcare field, but my heart has always come back to nursing. Being a Medical Assistant, I get to interact with many different patients daily and I make an impact on their lives. But I want to do more for them.

My mom, my husband Nick, and my best friend Adrienne have all motivated me to be the best person I can be so that I can achieve my goals and dreams. They have always believed in me and told me not to give up: that I’m meant to do this.”

“Getting into the apprenticeship was a dream come true, because I could learn but also still be able to pay my bills.

I will forever be grateful for that!”

Amanda Chu (center, pink hair) at her Clinic site in Kirkland

“The Tuition Assistance and the increased Service member Tuition Assistance funding has allowed me to take the pre-req classes I need to apply for nursing school.

With so many things going on in my life, it is very comforting to know that paying for my education isn’t a stress I have to worry about.”

 Juggling a full-time job, family, and other commitments can make it challenging to return to school. So, the Training Fund provides experienced navigators and additional support services to minimize barriers. 

Amanda adds, “I am very thankful for the Training Fund and specifically my navigator, Dahabo – they are miracle workers!”