Our Apprentices Say it Best!

Cynthia’s Success Story

First, she completed the apprenticeship… now she’s a mentor for the Behavioral Health Technician apprenticeship program!

Cynthia DeRocher, Activities Coordinator at Cascade Senior Living Services (CSLS), has grown her career and achieved her goals through the Health Care Apprenticeship Consortium’s (HCAC) earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship. Since completing the Behavioral Health Technician Apprenticeship in June 2023, she has come full circle: today, she is a mentor for other program apprentices – and is also celebrating 8 years of sobriety! 

A graduate of the very first Behavioral Health Technician apprenticeship cohort, Cynthia was eager to grab this opportunity when it became available. It seemed too good to be true: a one-year apprenticeship program includes classroom instruction, lab sessions, mentored on-the-job training, built-in support services to minimize barriers, and Nursing Assistant certification.

The program provided her with apprentice tuition, reimbursement for scrubs, connections to additional resources, and more. She especially appreciates the hands-on tech support and encouragement that she received throughout the program:

“This program was a blessing. I am 60 years old. It gave me all the help and support that I needed to complete the work and graduate.  

It gave me confidence that I did not have before – I am equipped with every experience, every day.

I can now help others.” 

Cynthia’s past lived experience with depression and recovery gives her additional insight into this career pathway:

“This program showed me things about myself that I had to come to terms with. I am in recovery myself, and will soon have eight years sober. I come from both sides.

I want to be the help that I did not have when I needed it.

Now I get to help people, and I gain more compassion – I feel like that’s why I came through this.“ 

From starting as a Restorative Aide at CSLS six years go, Cynthia is now the Activities Coordinator and her pay has doubled. She plans and organizes activities for 110 residents with various behavioral, mental, emotional needs. 

She plans to keep learning: “I want to absorb as much as I can and just keep learning. I just got a new apartment and am learning to make time for self care as well.”

L to R: Veronica Wade (Director of Program Operations, Training Fund), Diana Verrue (HR Director, CSLS), Cynthia DeRocher (Activities Coordinator, CSLS), and Sukanya Pani (Deputy Director, Training Fund).

Our Members Say it Best!

Krystal’s Success Story

Krystal Thomas completed the Nursing Assistant-Certified training program and utilized supportive services to grow her career and improve her children’s lives.

Krystal Thomas, a Patient Sitter at Swedish Medical Center, has 17 years of healthcare experience. Now, through the Training Fund and Health Care Apprenticeship Consortium (HCAC), she has completed her Nursing Assistant training, securing her position at Swedish Medical Center, and has also been accepted to Renton Technical College’s Pre-Nursing DTA/MRP program.

Although she planned to attend college, there were challenges: Krystal could not afford to drop her full-time status to complete the required credit hours toward a Nursing Assistant college program.

When she learned about the Training Fund’s Nursing Assistant-Certified Training program, she could not believe it was free. This 8-week program includes classroom instruction, clinical experience, and also includes built-in wraparound support services to minimize barriers and promote program completion

Krystal received a full stipend while enrolled in the NA-C program, as well as support services, work shoes, and connections to additional resources. And she especially appreciates staff encouragement along the way:

“My instructor, Grace, has been there through everything. She is phenomenal!

She loves what she does and is 100% behind her students. She even supported me during the DAWN Gala event – I am so very thankful for her.”  

Krystal’s journey has not been easy, and she has overcome many barriers along the way.

She chose to enter healthcare soon after becoming an emancipated minor. As a single mom with three children, a secure job was important to her: 

“I didn’t have support growing up – I kind of raised myself and was stuck navigating on my own. Now my kids are my motivators – I make sure that I have a plan because there is no back up.

I have section 8 housing and am very thankful for support I’ve received. But I want to make sure they understand that hard work and dedication does pay off.”  

Krystal was invited to present the Keynote Survivor speech at a 2024 DAWN Gala, detailing how she had made a fresh start for herself and her family. She made special note of how the Training Fund has supported this journey:

“I am very thankful for this program and the knowledge.

The Training Fund has helped me tremendously – if it were not for them, I probably would not be at Swedish Medical Center right now.

Before I even completed my 40-hour clinicals, I was hired at my position. The program inspired me and kept me going.” 

As a SEIU 1199NW Union member at Swedish Medical Center (one of our trust employers), Krystal now has access to additional Training Fund member benefits, and will soon be able to use Tuition Assistance to attend school for nursing pre-requisites.

She knows that she wants to be a nurse, and eventually start her own home health agency:

“I can hop on any floor and be effective, and I have people that will ask for me. I am there to make sure that the patient sees a familiar face and that treatment is effective.

My original unit and colleagues keep telling me I need to be a nurse: go to school, and we’ll hire you when you’re ready come back.”

Now she is an advocate for the NA-C training program. And she uses her story to inspire her children and others to follow their dreams:  

“There is so much more to me than just going to school and being there for my kids. This program has given me confidence, and it’s a stepping stone to bring light to others – I know a lot of people need that.” 

Learn more about our Nursing Assistant-Certified Training Program.

Connect with the Training Fund to find out how you can achieve your career and education goals! 

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!”  

Our members say it best!

Haidee’s Success Story

After immigrating to the US in 2015, she started working as a GI nurse in Albany, New York, and then later moved to Washington in 2019 where she transitioned to Dialysis Nursing. Her experience led her to realize being a nurse is more than just a job: “It is deeply fulfilling to see how I can make a positive difference in people’s lives through my work.”

When Haidee joined Providence Swedish, she took the time to explore all the opportunities available to her and learned about the Training Fund’s benefits. She says, “I was fortunate to have Janee Wilson as my Intake Coordinator, who was not only personable but also incredibly responsive to my needs. When we first spoke, I was still clueless as to what I wanted to do and where I wanted to study. She introduced me to Western Governors University, which ended up being the perfect fit for me in terms of affordability and schedule flexibility.” Our staff and education Navigators provide guidance and support to help members like Haidee find the best options that fit their goals and situations.

Haidee is honest about challenges along the way, sharing “It certainly was not easy. My educational journey presented its fair share of challenges. I do not have any immediate career goal or promotion I am eyeing. So, when it got tough, there were moments when I questioned my decision to pursue further education.” But now that she has graduated, Haidee reflects that “having this credential under my belt provides reassurance that I’m well-prepared for whatever the future may hold. It’s a qualification that enhances my competency and opens doors for potential growth down the line.”

Haidee completed her MSN in less than six months! Looking back, she says, “It was no small feat to balance a full-time job and the responsibilities of being a wife and mother while also studying for my graduate degree. It was only possible thanks to the unwavering encouragement, support and understanding from my husband, son and parents.”

“Most importantly, thanks to Training Fund, I had free education!”

Tuition Assistance and individualized navigation are just some of the many benefits that the Training Fund offers members to help you achieve your goals. Haidee shares her encouragement: “When I finally took that leap of faith and submitted my application, everything changed. Now, I proudly hold a Master’s in Nursing, all thanks to that initial action. So, don’t hesitate—take that first step, and who knows what incredible opportunities await you!”

Reach out to the Training Fund to take the next step.

Tuition Assistance Deadline is October 15th for courses beginning January 2025 or later.

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