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.

Questions? Contact us at .

Introduction to Healthcare employment and Apprenticeship Program (IHAP)

Steve’s Success Story

After completing the Introduction to Healthcare employment and Apprenticeship Program (IHAP) program and Nursing Assistant-Certified (NA-C) training in about three months, Steve Nicholson is now an NA-C/Patient Safety Assistant at Providence Swedish.  

Steve’s personal experience and his own healthcare challenges played a defining role in his decision to pursue a career in healthcare. He learned about and enrolled in our IHAP program after searching for an entry-point into the healthcare field. 

“The compassionate nurses and staff who cared for me during those difficult times left an indelible mark. Their unwavering support, empathy, and dedication motivated me to pursue a career in healthcare. Now, I strive to make a difference for others, just as they did for me,” he shares.  

IHAP students learn medical terminology and prepare for a career in healthcare. The program also teaches life skills like time management, interview skills, cultural awareness, and more. Acknowledging the difficulties of pursuing a new career path, Steve says, “balancing academic commitments and career exploration can be challenging. However, I was able to successfully prioritize tasks and learn better time management skills.”  

The Training Fund is committed to creating viable entry-level pathway programs into the healthcare sector for people like Steve. But more importantly, we also focus on providing them with the wraparound support to overcome barriers and achieve their goals.  Steve’s example illustrates this:

“The Training fund provided support in all facets of my journey. It is as if they anticipated all my needs and challenges that I may encounter. This included financial support, studying and exam preparation, career options and mentorship.”

The mix of classroom and hands-on experience is also very useful for these entry-level students. “The team helps you transition from structured classroom learning to unstructured clinical environments. They guide you through the nuances of medicine and provide insights into patient-provider relationships,“ says Steve. 

He specifically credits Benjamin (at our IHAP partner Seattle Jobs Initiative) for his help during Phase 1 of IHAP, and his NA-C instructor Tabitha for her support preparing students for the state exam and clinicals. Our team is your community, and we are behind you every step of the way.  

Steve is now planning to pursue a career as a Medical Assistant and eventually a CT Technologist.  This is just the beginning, and he is already inspiring and encouraging family members and others to follow his steps through the IHAP program and dream big.  

“I’ve already started championing the program’s benefits among my colleagues and family. To those seeking a transformative and positive shift in their lives—and the lives of others—I wholeheartedly recommend enrolling in this program. Don’t hesitate; take the leap and experience the profound, life-changing benefits firsthand!”