Three long-term care facilities are collaborating with Washtenaw Community College and Michigan Works! Southeast to quickly train a cohort of students to fill entry-level jobs in patient care, promising a starting wage of $12/hour for those who complete the 40-hour course.
A new two-week course offered by Washtenaw Community College, known as The Foundations of Caring Bootcamp, aims to quickly respond to the high-demand for entry-level healthcare workers. Three long-term care facilities in Washtenaw County are involved in the program, along with Michigan Works! Southeast, which will teach students the basics of patient care. After successfully completing the 40 hour training course, participants will be placed at one of the facilities to receive on-the-job training in positions making $12 per hour.
WCC announced the program in a news release, explaining that the 40-hour course will be completed in four weeks using virtual classroom instruction. Participants will also earn CPR certification and be set up with job interviews with one of three care facilities: Vibrant Life, Interim Healthcare, or Homewatch CareGivers. Founder of Vibrant Life Communities Dean Solden spoke about the increasing need for patient care workers. "With the baby boomer generation moving into the senior living sector, the demand for smart, hard working people will be here for decades."
The COVID-19 pandemic has also had an effect on the need for workers at long-term care facilities, according to Breanne K. Stuart, President and CEO of Homewatch CareGivers of Ann Arbor/Huron Valley. "We have always been challenged in Michigan with attracting enough talent to care for our seniors. We as small business employers realized soon after the initial effects of the pandemic that many employees were not returning for a variety of reasons. By working with WCC and Michigan Works!, our goal is to create a pipeline of qualified employees to help fill the overwhelming need for care."
Washtenaw Community College President Dr. Rose Bellanca explained the college's role in bridging the gap between the supply and demand of trained healthcare workers. "Preparing students for the workforce is one of our core tenets. Employer demand is driving this new program, and it is especially important now as we come out of the pandemic and the need for caregivers is great in our community," Bellanca said.
Executive Director of Michigan Works! Southeast, Shamar Herron, emphasized the opportunity brought about through this collaborative effort. "This is an awesome opportunity for anyone looking to start their career in a high-demand industry. Thanks to our partnership with WCC, Michigan Works! Southeast can help job seekers take full advantage of this program."
The Foundations of Caring Bootcamp information page provided by Michigan Works! Southeast hosts a form to inquire about the program and gives eligibility requirements. Participants must be at least 18 with a valid ID, be a U.S. Citizen, and have a high school diploma or GED. They will also be subject to a background check and need to have internet access.