In 2006, when the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce envisioned a statewide apprentice program, it contacted the S.C. Technical College System to create it. While the concept is simple, execution requires the coordination of a variety of groups, with the technical colleges at the hub. South Carolina businesses contend the state’s workforce lacks the skills needed for today’s job market. This skills gap is a big factor in an unemployment rate hovering around 12%. Assisting workers gain desirable job skills increases their prospects for finding a job and makes South Carolina more attractive to prospective employers. Companies, like Agape, that participate in the apprenticeship program train the individuals they need and receive a tax break of $1,000 per apprentice per year for up to four years.
Anita Bowers, C.N.A. Coordinator with Agape Hospice of the Lowcountry, was one of the 21 certified nursing assistants employed by Agape Hospice to have completed the requisite 100+ hours of instruction, earning the designation as a graduate of Apprenticeship South Carolina and Agape University. In addition to learning about various body systems and functions, the students completed the dementia Dialogs training program, exposing them to specialized training in Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia Disorders.
These students are now recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor as having completed a registered apprenticeship program. This certification assures that they have been well-trained by combining classroom instruction with on-the-job training. "Having completed these courses on their own time, these students have demonstrated a willingness to go above and beyond and are now some of Agape’s most well-trained employees. We are proud of their accomplishments," stated G. Scott Middleton, CEO of Agape Senior. A "virtual" graduation for these students is being planned for January 27, 2011.
In 2009 Anita Bowers, C.N.A., completed a preparation course offered by Agape Hospice and successfully met the requirements for certification as a Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant. The certification was issued to Ms. Bowers by The National Board for Certification of Hospice and Palliative Nursing after she passed the examination in March of that year. Anita “Sissy” Blewer Bowers lives in the Sniders Cross Roads area and is a 1996 graduate of Ruffin High School. In 2005 Anita’s dad was diagnosed with lung cancer and died January 2006. Her experience caring for him is the reason Anita chose a career in health care. She enrolled at the Thunderbolt Career and Technology Center in Walterboro and received her certification as nursing assistant in 2006. Anita says “That $500 was money well spent. It was the best investment I ever made.”
Her first job in health care was in long term care working in the Victory House Veterans’ Home in Walterboro. She took leave to take care of her mother after she had a hip replacement, but when her mother completed her therapy Anita returned to work as a certified nursing assistant for John Harter Nursing Home in Fairfax. She joined Agape Hospice in November of 2007. In March of 2009 she traveled to Savannah and successfully completed a computerized examination and received national certification as Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant. She is currently investigating a career development path to be a licensed nurse.
Through the apprenticeship program Agape Hospice is improving the skill set of our employees for improved delivery of care and services. The employees are gaining job skills that position them for higher wages and a brighter career path. The apprenticeship program also keeps talented workers in South Carolina.
Beaufort /Hilton Head - Hospice Services – Agape Hospice
Agape Hospice serving Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper counties is committed to end of life care. Contact Agape Hospice of the Lowcountry at 843.645.2290
