Empowering Tomorrow’s Nurses: CACC’s Apprenticeship Program Strengthens Alabama’s Healthcare Workforce
Op-Ed by Dr. Jennifer Gilliland, Director of Health Programs
National Apprenticeship Week offers a moment to celebrate ÃÛÌÒTV Alabama Community College’s (CACC) nursing apprenticeship program’s role in building a stronger healthcare workforce. Since launching in August 2022, the program has provided hands-on training that complements classroom education, giving students a head start in their careers while addressing a critical need in the community.
Through the nursing apprenticeship program, students gain direct experience working alongside healthcare professionals, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Since its inception, 103 students have benefited from this immersive learning experience—39 of whom are active apprentices, while 45 have completed their training and successfully passed the NCLEX exam. These graduates are now making a difference in healthcare facilities across the region, ready to provide quality care from day one.
CACC’s success in this endeavor is grounded in collaboration with its healthcare partners. The program has partnered with 26 healthcare employers, with 13 hosting active apprentices. These partnerships ensure that students learn the skills necessary to succeed and are prepared to meet the real-world demands of the healthcare sector.
The nursing apprenticeship program exemplifies the kind of innovative partnerships that CACC is committed to fostering. By working together with healthcare providers, students gain hands-on experience that helps them become capable, compassionate healthcare professionals, and the facilities benefit from enthusiastic learners eager to make an impact from day one. This mutually beneficial relationship strengthens the healthcare workforce, allowing students to learn from experienced mentors.
The apprenticeship model is proving to be an effective tool for addressing workforce shortages, ensuring that healthcare facilities across Alabama have access to skilled professionals. As CACC continues to grow its nursing apprenticeship program, the college remains committed to its mission of providing innovative solutions to meet the community’s needs.
National Apprenticeship Week reminds us of the impact that education and industry partnerships can have on the future of healthcare. CACC is proud to play a role in preparing the next generation of nurses through hands-on learning, close collaboration with healthcare employers, and a focus on workforce readiness. The college invites more healthcare organizations and aspiring nursing students to join in this impactful journey, helping to strengthen healthcare services and create pathways to success for all.
Dr. Jennifer Gilliland
Director of Health Programs
ÃÛÌÒTV Alabama Community College