Students interested in healthcare careers will soon have a chance to explore five different pathways, learn from working professionals, and earn an automatic interview at Maine Health all within three months and at no cost. Sanford Community Adult Education is launching this pre-apprenticeship program through a new partnership with Maine Health.
The hybrid program combines online learning modules with in-person classes at Sanford Community Adult Education. Students will explore five high-demand healthcare fields: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Education Technician, Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy, and Psychiatric Technician. Throughout the three months, guest speakers who currently work in these roles will share their experiences, giving students a realistic picture of what these careers actually entail. Students who complete the pre-apprenticeship are automatically interviewed for positions at Maine Health.
"This is a great way for students to dip their toes in without having this big commitment of taking on a training program or being hired," explains Sue Zimmer, who serves as the Maine College and Career Access Advisor at Sanford Community Adult Education. "They get to really figure out if it's really an interest for them."
Many students think they're interested in healthcare, but the day-to-day reality can be quite different from what people imagine. This pre-apprenticeship gives students the chance to experience the field firsthand before committing to a full training program, helping them make informed decisions about their career path.
The program can accommodate up to 100 students and is open to anyone ages 17 and older who is interested in healthcare careers. Participants do not need a high school diploma, and students from any community are welcome. For students who may have applied to other CNA programs but weren't accepted, this partnership offers an alternative pathway into the healthcare field.
Sanford Community Adult Education will provide the space, student registration, and support services, while Maine Health will supply the instructors, educational content, and guest speakers. The structure includes asynchronous online learning combined with on-campus meetings, allowing students to balance their education with work and personal responsibilities.
For Jayne Perkins, Director of Sanford Community Adult Education, partnerships like this one represent exactly the kind of opportunity that can change lives. "It's probably the first time they've had such a positive opportunity, and to have someone walk them through it, step by step, give them the support," Perkins explains. "Rather than 'you need to go get a job,' it's 'let's help you. Let's do that.' So they get the opportunity, and they get the support. And as you see in graduation, they find success most of the time. It's the first time. So it's life changing for them."