Growing Talent from Within

As a Federally Qualified Health Center serving rural and medically underserved communities, Thunder Bay Community Health Service faces the ongoing challenge of recruiting and retaining qualified healthcare professionals. Increasing demand for services, workforce shortages, and financial pressures have made it especially important to find effective ways to build and retain skilled talent.

With support from a $17,500 Going PRO Talent Fund award, Thunder Bay Community Health Service was able to continue investing in its Medical Assistant apprenticeship program, training two existing employees and supporting the development of its healthcare workforce.

The apprenticeship provides a structured pathway that combines related coursework through CareerStep with hands-on training in a clinical setting. Apprentices gain experience in areas including clinical skills, reception, billing, and patient care while working alongside experienced staff. The program culminates in an internship and state certification exam to become a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant.

For apprentice Keegan Culham, the experience provided an opportunity to explore her passion for healthcare while building the knowledge and hands-on skills needed for her future career. She said the apprenticeship strengthened her commitment to patient care and helped her develop skills including clinical and administrative procedures, communication, adaptability, organization, compassion, and teamwork.

The program also benefits the employer by developing talent from within. Apprentices learn Thunder Bay's systems, policies, and procedures while gaining real-world experience, helping the organization build a workforce prepared to meet the specific needs of its patients and communities.

Overall, Thunder Bay Community Health Service's apprenticeship program demonstrates how employer training investments can create meaningful career opportunities while helping address critical workforce needs in healthcare.