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WATERVILLE — Seven students successfully completed a collaborative program of 180 hours of certified nursing assistant training provided through partnerships with Western Maine Community Action at the CareerCenter in Lewiston and with Mid-Maine Regional Adult Community Education in Waterville.
Grant funding, facilitated by Western Maine Community Action, a partner in the CareerCenter system, provided an eight-week, on-the-job training program for 256 hours was also provided through.
Northern Light Continuing Care Lakewood in Waterville held a graduation ceremony Oct. 30 at the facility, recognizing graduates as certified nursing assistants. Patricia Shuck, R.N., director of nursing, welcomed administrators, staff, residents, family, friends, teachers and community partners to the pinning ceremony and presentation of certificates.
Commencement remarks were shared by class/clinical instructor Chris Miller, R. N., and clinical instructor, Lynn Pagliaro, R. N.; Lakewood talent acquisitions specialist, Robin Doody; WMCA employment and training business specialist Monica Millhime; and NLH administrator Shannon Lockwood.
The combined curriculum empowers students with the skills and knowledge essential to the specific job field. “This graduation class is not only the result of the students’ dedication but also the best model of train-to-work, where business, education and workforce development collaborate, shared Patti Saarinen, WMCA/WIOA site coordinator serving Androscoggin, Franklin, Oxford, Kennebec and Somerset Counties.
OJT is an incentive-based program providing 50 percent of a trainee’s wages during the duration of the program. Students are empowered with the skills and knowledge essential to the specific job field.” The integration of education and training is a best-practice model for success.
“The grant funding was very well spent,” Lockwood stressed. “Our new team members are vibrant and so well prepared. There are many ways this program ensures that we find the right people with the right skills and the right personality for this profession.”
Doody noted opening doors for individuals looking for a new career opportunity is an exciting part of the program. “Lakewood has done that by partnering with adult education and WMCA to train and certify new certified nursing assistants.This is a win-win for all,” she added.
For more information on educational partnerships and opportunities call 207-753-9005 or visit www.facebook.com/WesternMaineCommunityAction/ or wmca.org/.
