Apprenticeship Programs Are Filling The Workforce Gap in Staten Island

Staten Island Performing Provider System has received approval from the New York State Department of Labor for the creation of three new apprenticeship programs that will work toward filling the ongoing workforce gap in Staten Island.

The programs are a mix of classroom instruction and on-the-job training and will look to develop talent pools for crucial in-demand healthcare positions including Community Health Workers, Certified Recovery Peer Advocates, and Certified Nursing Assistants. The apprenticeships will come on the heels of Staten Island Performing Provider Systems' already successful workforce development program that has trained around 130 healthcare workers as of 2021.

“The workplace learning programs support participants’ entry and advancement in health care jobs, offer existing staff the ability to learn new skills and earn college credits toward a degree, and help incumbent staff adapt to new job demands.”

Joseph Conte, Executive Director of Staten Island Performing Provider System

In order to successfully launch this program, SIPPS teamed up with the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, to expand the outreach of the apprenticeship program by connecting with other training programs within the New York City Department of Education to introduce healthcare career paths to potential participants on Staten Island.

Since its debut in 2015 SIPPS has continuously expanded its workforce efforts due to a recent partner survey that indicated that there was a great need for job development along with meeting training needs in the region. Using these survey results SIPPS began to develop and offer education certificate programs in partnership with the state's institutes of higher education. Some of these courses offer a college credit component with the training coming free for students and open to any Staten Island resident who is eligible.