CHW Apprenticeships address the structural, cultural, and organizational barriers to entry for many CHWs looking for employment opportunities. Apprenticeships can provide a clear runway for both CHW apprentices and Apprenticeship sites to build out, pilot, and strengthen their organizations delivery of CHW services to the communities that they are serving.
Central to the success of apprenticeships is the premise that the apprentice gain both the acquired knowledge or instructional training and on-the-job application to develop the skills that are essential to the work they will be doing. CHW Apprentices commit to at least 1 year of employment with an organization while receiving the mentorship of a journey worker or mentor (a supervisor or another role who has familiarity with the CHW role and scope of practice).
Learn about why Ready, Set, Smile hires CHW Apprentices
MNCHWA and RSS reflecting on the successes of CHW Apprenticeships
The Minnesota Community Health Worker Alliance is now a Registered Apprenticeship Program Sponsor! This means that organizations can participate in an apprenticeship program (be a signatory employer) under the sponsorship of MNCHWA. A Sponsor manages many of the administrative aspects and training requirements related to the apprenticeship program, that align with the key indicators recognized by the National Association of Community Health Workers in developing a strong CHW workforce.
Benefits of Apprenticeship
Employer can utilize CHW (certificate holder or student) at a high level in these areas: registration/intake, health education, service/care coordination, community fairs/events, outreach and more! CHW apprentice acquires valuable experience and career training, growth, and advancement in the CHW profession. CHW may be eligible for additional stipend.
Employer must be a registered apprenticeship site.
Apprenticeship Sites
Registered Apprenticeship Sites for CHWs – Minnesota
*This list will be updated as more sites become registered.
Frequently Asked Questions for CHWs & Employers
Frequently Asked Questions for CHWs
Who can be a CHW Apprentice at a Registered Apprenticeship?
You are eligible to be an apprentice at an apprenticeship registered with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry if you are a CHW Certificate holder or if you are in your last semester of the CHW Certificate Program at any of the accredited Minnesota schools who offer the certificate program.
How do I become an apprentice?
Employers who have established a registered apprenticeship program through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry choose their own apprentices. For a list of employers who have established or are starting apprenticeship programs, contact apprenticeship@MNCHWAlliance.org
What are the benefits of being an apprentice?
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry has requirements that employers who operate apprenticeships must follow. These include:
Employers determine wage and must provide benefits to apprentices
Wage must increase with training and education hours and at the end of the 12-month program be a living wage as determined by MN Department of Labor and Industry (adjusted by region/ area of employment)
Apprentices must be employed full time (at least 32 hours per week)
Employers must provide safety training (at least 50 hours)
Minimum of 144 hours of relevant educational instruction must be provided (this can include the CHW Certificate Program at an accredited institution)
On-site mentor who will guide apprentices through the training and education.
At the end of the apprenticeship experience (1 year), apprentices will have a nationally recognized credential, and will stay on as an employee of the organization
What will the Community Health Worker Training Program (CHWTP) do to enhance the apprenticeship experience?
Minnesota Community Health Worker Alliance staff can help connect you with apprenticeship sites and other employment opportunities
MNCHWA staff will connect with both you and your employer over the apprenticeship period to check-in
You may apply for a $7500 stipend paid for by the grant
Click here for a downloadable, sharable file with more information about the Apprenticeship Training Program.
The Community Health Worker (CHW) apprenticeship program is for any organization that would like to participate.
What is the difference between employing CHWs and offering a Registered Apprenticeship Program for CHWs?
Registered apprenticeships differ from traditional employment because of the infrastructure, support and accountability from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry and required training and education. As an employer, you would be required to provide a mentor for the trainee and on-the-job training. This registered apprenticeship is a one-year program, and the assumption is that the apprentice will continue as an employee after the apprenticeship is complete.
Minnesota department of Labor and Industry Apprenticeship Requirements:
Apprentices must be employed full time (at least 32 hours per week)
Employers determine wage and must provide benefits to apprentices
Wage must increase with training and education hours and at the end of the 12-month program be a living wage as determined by MN Department of Labor and Industry (adjusted by region/ area of employment)
Employers must provide safety training (at least 50 hours)
Minimum of 144 hours of relevant educational instruction must be provided (this can include the CHW Certificate Program at an accredited intuition)
Program is meant to be one year and requires a minimum of 2000 hours
How can the Community Health Worker Training Program (CHWTP) help employers?
Connect CHWs with your site
Help you understand the scope of practice, roles and strengths of the CHW profession
Help you decide if your organization would be best suited for the apprenticeship program, a field experience placement or traditional employment site for CHWs
Connect with both you and your apprentices(es) over the apprenticeship period to check-in and provide support
CHWs participating in the CHWTP apprenticeship may apply for a $7500 stipend paid for by the CHWTP
Process for Employers:
Employers determine if apprenticeship is right for your organization with information and support from CHWTP staff and Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
Employer registers for apprenticeship through Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
Employers hire an apprentice
Apprentices apply for the additional stipend through the CHWTP
I am an employer interested in participating:
For more information about the registered apprenticeship program and other ways CHWs could be added to your workforce, contact Vonyee Howard at: apprenticeship@mnchwalliance.org.
More Information
If you are interested in more information about the registered apprenticeship program and other ways CHWs can be added to your workforce, contact apprenticeship@mnchwalliance.org.
Apprenticeship Program Resources
If you want to learn more about the Apprenticeship Program or want to share information with colleagues or other organizations please refer to the following downloadable informational flyers:
