In honor of National Apprenticeship Day (April 30), we’ve highlighted some organizations that utilize apprenticeships as part of their operations.
Apprenticeships are vital because they bridge the gap between education and employment, providing individuals with hands-on skills and experiences that directly align with industry needs, which in turn, strengthens the workforce and drives economic growth.
Aaron Sydor is the Chief Operating Officer of Heritage Care, Inc., which acts as the training program for registered apprenticeships for partnering employer Complete Care Hyattsville.
WSM: What kind of apprenticeship training does your organization offer?
Aaron Sydor: Heritage Care offers a CNA/GNA Apprenticeship and a Community Health Worker (CHW) Apprenticeship. The CHW apprenticeship has a focus on diabetes and chronic disease management. Both programs have a one-year duration that includes 140 hours of related instruction for the CNA/GNA program and 239 hours of related instruction for the CHW program.
WSM: What value do apprentices bring to the companies or organizations you partner with?
AS: The apprentices must go through many steps to become eligible for this opportunity and thus they always bring an extra level of commitment and dedication to the position. They also have a vision for their career path and understand the steps required to get there.
WSM: How do you support the apprentices’ growth and development during the program?
AS: In addition to the high-quality training that Heritage Care offers, apprentices receive professional development opportunities and access to a network of other apprentices in the field. This fosters new opportunities and professional connections for our program graduates. HCI also conducts a check in with apprentices every 2 months and documents feedback regarding their experience.
WSM: What qualities do great apprentices tend to share?
AS: Great apprentices are dedicated, reliable and provide compassionate care.
WSM: Why are apprenticeships something workers should consider pursuing?
AS: Apprenticeships enhance the trainee’s experience due to the length of the apprenticeship, the extra steps that are required for training, and the prestige that comes with completing a Maryland Department of Labor certified apprenticeship. Additionally, some of our partnering employers offer a financial bonus of $2,000 for successful completion of the program.
For more information on Heritage Care, visit https://www.heritagecare.org/nursing-educational-services.
Laura Anaya is a Senior Account Executive SMB with OpenClassrooms Inc., which acts as an apprenticeship intermediary and offers the following programs:
- Social Media & Digital Marketing
- Data Analytics
- IT Support Help Desk
- Software Engineer
- Cybersecurity
WSM: Why did your organization choose to offer apprenticeships?
Laura Anaya: OpenClassrooms chose apprenticeships because they offer a powerful, accessible solution to today’s talent shortages — especially in fast-moving fields like tech and digital marketing. By combining hands-on work with structured learning, we help companies fill in-demand roles, while reducing recruitment costs and boosting retention.
WSM: What value do apprentices bring to your company or organization?
LA: Apprentices bring fresh perspectives, adaptability, and real motivation to grow. Whether it’s data analysis, help desk support, or digital marketing strategy, they’re trained in real time on your systems and contribute value from day one — while being shaped to fit your company’s needs and culture.
WSM: How do you support the apprentices’ growth and development during the program?
LA: Each apprentice receives one-on-one mentoring from industry experts in fields like IT, software development, and marketing, and trains through hands-on, project-based learning. This ensures they build relevant, job-ready skills while staying aligned with your business goals.
WSM: What qualities do you look for in a great apprentice?
LA: We look for curiosity, commitment, and a genuine drive to grow in a professional setting. No prior experience is needed — just a willingness to learn and contribute in high-demand areas like tech and marketing from day one.
WSM: Have you hired any apprentices full-time after they completed the program?
LA: Yes — many apprentices transition into long-term roles after completing their programs. In fact, businesses see significantly higher retention rates with apprentices, especially in technical and digital roles, making it a smart, sustainable talent pipeline.
For more information on OpenClassrooms, visit https://openclassrooms.com/en/