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Spotlight on Apprenticeship Success!
RADAR Partnerships
By Apprenticeship Project Director Sommer Rabideau
This program was established through a partnership between the WDB RADAR grant program and Mohawk Valley Community College’s SUNY Apprenticeship program, in collaboration with Mohawk Valley Health System.
Over the past year, this partnership has successfully supported the development of apprenticeship programs across MVHS, resulting in the registration of 16 apprenticeship programs in March 2025. MVHS has done an exceptional job of utilizing these programs to upskill current employees, creating clear career pathways and strengthening its workforce from within.
As a result of these efforts, MVHS now leads New York State in the number of healthcare apprenticeships, something we are incredibly proud to support as a partner. These initiatives highlight the impact of the RADAR grant in expanding apprenticeship opportunities and reinforcing workforce development efforts across our region, especially as we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week.
Apprenticeships create opportunities for individuals to turn passion into purpose, and for some, that journey begins with a lifelong dream. During National Apprenticeship Week, we’re proud to highlight those who are transforming their interests into meaningful careers.
Celebrating Apprenticeship Week: Spotlight on Katita, Chef (Cook) Apprenticeship program at the Wynn Hospital.
Meet Katita, a dedicated mother of two with a deep passion for cooking and the arts. Katita has always envisioned combining her creativity with her love for food, crafting dishes that not only taste incredible but also bring joy through presentation and experience. Her decision to pursue an apprenticeship at Mohawk Valley Health System was driven by her desire to turn that passion into a lasting career.
Through her apprenticeship, Katita has gained valuable hands-on experience in a professional kitchen environment. She has learned how to work efficiently under pressure, manage her time effectively, and collaborate as part of a team. These experiences have not only strengthened her technical skills but also deepened her confidence and enthusiasm for the culinary field.
Throughout the program, Katita has continued to build and refine essential skills, including time management, teamwork, communication, attention to detail, and the ability to stay calm and focused in fast-paced settings.
One of Katita’s greatest accomplishments has been her personal growth. She takes pride in how much she has learned and how her confidence has grown, allowing her to fully embrace her abilities and potential.
This opportunity has solidified Katita’s vision for her future. She now sees cooking not just as a passion, but as a career path, one that may one day lead to her own business where she can blend food and art in a unique and meaningful way.
Katita encourages anyone thinking about an apprenticeship to give it a try. It’s a meaningful way to develop practical skills, gain hands-on experience, and grow your confidence while pursuing something you enjoy—while also creating new opportunities for the future.
Katita’s story is a reminder that with dedication, creativity, and the right opportunity, passion can truly become a profession.
Celebrating Apprenticeship Week: Spotlight on Keilyn, Direct Support Professional Apprenticeship program at Wynn Hospital.
Meet Keilyn, a member of the Talent Acquisition and Workforce Development team at Mohawk Valley Health System. With a strong passion for helping others grow professionally and connect to meaningful career opportunities, Keilyn was inspired to pursue an apprenticeship to further develop her skills and deepen her impact within the healthcare workforce.
Keilyn describes her experience in the program as both enriching and empowering. Through continuous learning, she has gained new tools, collaborated with dedicated professionals, and witnessed firsthand the positive impact apprenticeship programs have on individuals’ lives. Throughout her journey, she has felt supported, motivated, and encouraged to grow.
The program has helped Keilyn strengthen key skills, including communication, organization, and leadership. She has also enhanced her ability to work collaboratively, adapt to new challenges, and better understand workforce development needs within the healthcare system.
One of Keilyn’s proudest accomplishments has been the opportunity to support and guide others in their own professional journeys. Being able to help open doors for others has been especially meaningful and reinforces her commitment to this work.
This experience has further solidified Keilyn’s passion for workforce development in healthcare. She remains dedicated to continuing her professional growth while creating pathways for others to succeed.
For those considering an apprenticeship, Keilyn shares a simple but powerful message: it is an opportunity to grow, learn, and open new doors. While it requires commitment, the rewards, both personal and professional, are well worth it.
Keilyn’s story is a powerful reminder of how apprenticeship programs not only build skills, but also strengthen communities by empowering individuals to uplift others.
Celebrating Apprenticeship Week: Spotlight on Honor, Behavioral Health Technician Apprenticeship program at Wynn Hospital.
Meet Honor, a Behavioral Health Technician with Mohawk Valley Health System, who has spent the past 20 years supporting individuals with mental illness. When Honor learned about the apprenticeship program at the Wynn Hospital, it felt like a natural next step, an opportunity to continue doing meaningful work while gaining new skills and advancing their education.
Honor describes their experience in the program as a rewarding “mixed bag,” combining hands-on, career-focused training with the challenge of returning to the classroom at Mohawk Valley Community College. Like many adult learners, adjusting back to studying and academic writing has required determination, but it has also been an opportunity for growth.
Through the program, Honor has already seen improvements in communication skills and is rebuilding academic confidence after time away from formal education. While still early in the journey, Honor shares that one of their proudest accomplishments so far is simply taking the leap: committing to the program and giving it their full effort.
Apprenticeships offer a powerful “learn while you earn” model, and Honor has experienced firsthand how structured, on-the-job training can open doors to long-term career advancement, increased job security, and higher earning potential.
Honor is already encouraging others to follow the same path, sharing with coworkers that an apprenticeship is an incredible opportunity to grow professionally while continuing to earn an income.
Stories like Honor’s demonstrate the impact of apprenticeship programs, not just on career pathways, but on confidence, skill development, and the strength of our workforce.
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