As healthcare providers struggle with recruitment and retention, many are rethinking traditional workforce development strategies. Catholic Health (Buffalo) launched its innovative Associate Apprenticeship Program in the fall of 2024. This forward-thinking initiative is a risk-free opportunity for staff to explore new career paths within the health system before committing to the further education necessary to be certified in a particular field.
During 16 weeks of paid, active shadowing, apprentices study each facet of hospital operations, gaining real-world insight into critical departments such as nursing, imaging, sterile processing, respiratory therapy and administration. This immersive exposure allows participants to shadow professionals, observe day-to-day responsibilities and actively explore different healthcare roles in a supportive learning environment.
What sets this program apart is its holistic approach to career readiness. Beyond clinical shadowing, apprentices attend leadership and professional development classes, where they strengthen their communication skills, build confidence and learn to thrive in the healthcare environment. These sessions are tailored to prepare participants not just for their next job but for a lasting and upwardly mobile career.
If an apprentice decides to pursue a new career that requires a degree, the program also includes access to school fairs, academic advising and tuition assistance — resources that help participants further their education by making opportunities more accessible.
By the end of the program, participants leave with valuable hands-on experience, a sharper sense of direction and the confidence to pursue new careers — all without the financial or personal risk of enrolling in a program that may not be the right fit.
Of those who participated, 100% planned to return to school after program completion, 29% started educational programming within the first week post-program and 57% started steps to enroll in fall 2025 programs. Apprenticeship application numbers grew from 30 (first cohort) to 50 on average for later cohorts. Catholic Health’s retention rates have remained steady at around 88%, beating industry norms.
For more information, contact Carrie Sette-Camara, director, public and media relations, at 716.923.9677 or csettecamara@chsbuffalo.org.