Community Health Worker Training Program: Apprenticeship Information for Employers

Who can participate in this 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 must provide benefits to apprentices which can include any combination of the following: medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, paid time off, retirement benefits, life insurance, health savings account, flexible spending account or disability insurance.
  • Employers determine starting wage, and wage must increase with training and education hours. At the end of the 12-month program, wage must be a living wage as determined by MN Department of Labor and Industry (adjusted by region/ area of employment). 
  • Employers must provide at least 50 hours of safety training (this can include standard organizational onboarding).
  • Minimum of 144 hours of relevant educational instruction must be provided (this can include the CHW Certificate Program at an accredited intuition, and standard organizational onboarding). 
  • 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:  

    1. Employers determine if apprenticeship is right for your organization with information and support from CHWTP staff and Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry 
    1. Employer registers for apprenticeship through Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry 
    1. Employers hire an apprentice  
    1. 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.