WDBSCW Invests $20,000 in Health Care Training Program

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August 31, 2010

WDBSCW Invests $20,000 in Health Care Training Program

While some students are headed back to school, other students are just graduating from the Healthcare Administrative Training Program, a training initiative supported by Urban League of Greater Madison, the Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin, and partners that could help send them into a career in the health care field.

The Health Care Administrative Program (HATP) includes a 5-week foundations course focusing on resume and cover letter writing, mock interviews, and other job preparation strategies, followed by an additional 10 weeks of training in areas related to health care, insurance concepts, and computer technology. With more than 100 applicants, 30 were interviewed as program candidates, and 18 were selected for the program.

For April Parrish, the program was much needed opportunity. After her layoff in November 2008, April struggled to find full-time employment as the recession set in. She took a few summer courses in 2009 while trying to secure employment, but was unsuccessful. As a year passed, the struggles became more and more realistic and worries grew stronger.

"I was beginning to think I would never find another full-time job. I was working part-time jobs just to keep my unemployment going as long as I could--I had a family to support."

She learned about the HATP program through WorkSmart staff at her local Job Center. After an intensive application and interview process, April was one of 18 selected for the program.

"This was an intense program, but worth it. I drove 100 miles round trip every day because I knew this program could help me advance my career. We committed 40 hours each week to the training and were expected to treat each day like we were interviewing for a job. That meant perfect attendance, arriving on time, and following through; just like with a job."

Despite her challenges, April successfully graduated from the HATP with honors. Upon graduation, she received four job interviews, followed by four job offers.

"I worked as hard as I could and finally found success. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity given to me; and for anyone looking and struggling to make a better life for themselves and/or their family, take advantage of Job Center and its resources, and it's partners. With their help and support, I am now the newest employee of WEA Trust."

from the Urban League...I was going to succeed this time. I had

to apply to get into the Healthcare Administration Training Program. There was an application process

and interview with employer partners. There were over 100 applicants for this year’s program. 3 apply to get into the Healthcare Administration Training Program. There was an application processand interview with employer partners. There were over 100 applicants for this year’s program. 30

The Workforce Development Board of South Central Wisconsin (WDBSCW), Madison College, and area health care organizations are vital partners of the program. The WDBSCW invested $20,000 to support the program's training costs and to help individuals with Workforce Investment Act (WIA) support services. Madison College assisted in training facilitation, college credit, and certification efforts. Area health care partners donated time for special training facilitation and internships. Urban League of Greater Madison provided program coordination and support.

For more information on HATP, visit the Urban League of Greater Madison website, www.ulgm.org.

For Channel 3000's coverage of the HATP graduation, click here.

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