(Oct. 3, 2025) – Healthworks has been awarded a two-year grant from the Patterson Family Foundation to expand health care apprenticeship programs in rural hospitals. Through this investment, Healthworks will partner with TalentGro to provide technical assistance and hands-on support to hospitals interested in developing or growing apprenticeship programs. The funding will also enable additional education and awareness efforts to help hospital leaders understand how apprenticeships can serve as “grow your own” strategies to address pressing workforce needs.
The goal of the Kansas Health Care Apprenticeship Partnership is to create 150 new health care apprentices in rural Kansas during the grant period. Apprenticeships have proven effective in helping hospitals establish structured career pathways, eliminate contract labor and enhance employee retention. This initiative will provide resources and support for existing apprenticeship programs and for more facilities to launch programs tailored to their workforce needs.
More information about this project will be shared during the KHA Fall District Meetings and in a webinar at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 4.
--Jennifer Findley