Foundation Health Partners celebrate National Apprenticeship Week

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - For National Apprenticeship Week, Foundation Health Partners (FHP) held an event Wednesday, where local healthcare workers demonstrated some of the highlights of their job.

There are many jobs that play a critical role to keep the hospital accessible to all.

For those who are interested in starting a career in the healthcare field, some of those career opportunities are now available through apprenticeship programs offered locally.

Kelly Wighs with Foundation Health Partners works as the Human Resources Senior Manager. Wighs said they created this event to celebrate the programs offered at the organization. “So, we have 4 different apprenticeship programs here, said Wighs. “We offer a sterile processing apprenticeship, a surgical technologist apprenticeship, a phlebotomy apprenticeship, and our pharmacy technician apprenticeship.”

Wighs noted these programs are a great opportunity for someone who is looking to get into the healthcare field without having to go through a traditional schooling program. The goal she said is to find the right people who can fill the gaps in areas where the organization has seen staffing shortages.

“So, this has been our innovative and creative way to help solve that problem and be able to provide a federally registered program,” she added. “So it’s recognized nationwide, and the apprentices that come out of the program are able to take that with them wherever they happen to go and it also helps build credibility for these programs within FHP.”

There are deadlines for those looking to apply, those are listed here:

Application periods for the different programs:

Phlebotomy: The application period is open until Nov. 30, 2022.
Pharmacy: One opening may come available in early 2023.
Sterile Processing: Two available openings. Applications are accepted until positions are filled.
Surgery: Currently no openings but will likely have openings in summer 2023.

Wighs said these are paid apprenticeship programs that include benefits. Those with a high school degree or equivalent can apply, and you must be at least 18 years of age.

“So really we see people who are fresh out of high school coming into our apprenticeship programs,” she said. “Or really someone who is looking for a second career option as well.”

More information about FHP apprenticeships can be found here.

Those with questions can also contact Students@FoundationHealth.org