Harbor Beach Hospital’s Success with Surgical Technologist Apprenticeships

Harbor Beach Community Hospital needed a Surgical Technologist and contacted GST Michigan Works! in Huron County for assistance. After discussing the position, they decided to look into the possibility of a registered apprenticeship. With the help of Business Solutions Professional Deb Nowicki, they applied for the Going PRO Talent Fund (GPTF) to help fund it. Wanda Bigelow, the Apprenticeship Manager at GST Michigan Works!, began working with Tina at Harbor Beach Community Hospital to set up a Surgical Technologist Apprenticeship Program. Tina was very busy making all of it come together, but it was worth it! 

The United States Department of Labor approved the Surgical Technologist Apprenticeship on January 25, 2023 and Harbor Beach Community Hospital was awarded a GPTF grant for Cycle 1 2023.  Leanne was an initial participant in this new program. She was a medical assistant on staff and wanted to increase her skill set to advance her career. She began training on February 3, 2023, and completed her Surgical Technologist Certification on November 11, 2023, through MedCerts. 

Harbor Beach Community Hospital received $3,500.00 from the Going Pro Talent Fund for 2023, which went towards Leanne’s training! Receiving funding for this training allowed Leanne to complete training while continuing to work.  With her new certification, she has received a promotion and a sizable wage increase. She is now enjoying a career as a Surgical Technologist, and Harbor Beach Hospital is happy to retain her as a loyal and hard-working employee!