Show-Me State Times

The Missouri Chamber Foundation has received a $50,000 grant from the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development’s Office of Apprenticeship & Work-Based Learning. The funding comes through the State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula Fund Round 3 (SAEF3) Subgrant Award project and will be used to expand the Industry-Driven Healthcare Apprenticeship Program.

With this new funding, the program plans to add 38 apprentices in roles such as registered nurse resident, licensed practical nurse, medical assistant, and pharmacy technician. This addition will bring the total number of apprentices trained through the program to more than 1,500. Participants will gain paid on-the-job training along with classroom instruction, mentorship, and industry-recognized credentials.

Health care providers taking part in this initiative include BJC HealthCare, CoxHealth, Hannibal Regional Healthcare System, Jordan Valley Community Health Center, Lifepoint Health, Mercy, and University Health.

The expansion aims to provide career pathways for dislocated workers, unemployed individuals, incumbent employees, and underrepresented groups by offering support services alongside training opportunities.

“We are excited to continue building strong partnerships with health care employers, workforce boards, community colleges and state agencies to ensure the success of this program,” said Karen Buschmann, executive director of the Missouri Chamber Foundation. “Together, we are addressing one of Missouri’s most urgent needs: a skilled and sustainable health care talent pipeline.”