NORTH CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) – Two Lowcountry organizations have launched a new program to provide more opportunities for residents of the Tri-County area through job training and supportive healthcare services.
The new training program from SC Works Trident and Lowcountry Careers Collaborative aims to train and place 1,000 health care workers in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties by 2025.
Amber Gant, business services coordinator for SC Works Trident, explains how this program will help address the healthcare shortage.
“We all know we have a shortage of nurses nationwide. This initiative allows us to focus on giving people the skills they need to enter the healthcare field and address that shortage by improving the overall quality of healthcare in our region,” says Gant.
This initiative is supported by an $8.4 million Good Jobs Challenge Grant from the Economic Development Agency.
The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce is distributing the grant and has already invested $1.8 million in contracts to secure drinking stations for 462 people.
SC Works Trident will oversee workforce recruitment and training, while Lowcountry Careers Collaborative will focus on providing support services and job training to residents.
Together, they hope to recruit 1,000 participants to the training program and place 750 of those participants with local healthcare employers.
The program offers scholarships and grants to eligible students.
According to officials, the initiative will strengthen the local health sector while providing residents with access to sustainable and rewarding careers.
The program includes all-round services for students of nursing assistance, medical assistance and radiology technology.
Chelsea Kotsiras, director of grant applications and administration for the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, says they will address other obstacles as well.
“We also have funds that provide transportation assistance, childcare assistance, assistance with paying for uniforms and exam fees. And then we also have some money to pay for life support certification,” Kotsiras says.
You must be a resident of Berkeley, Charleston or Dorchester County and have a household income no higher than 200% of the federal poverty level.
Upon successful completion of the program, employment opportunities are secured through partner commitments from MUSC Health, Roper St. Francis Healthcare, Bishop Gadsen Episcopal Retirement Community, East Cooper Medical Center, Fetter Health Network, Franke at Seaside and Healthcare Corporation of America.
Those interested in participating in the program can participate by completing the Program Interest Form online or by attending an in-person workshop at SC Works Trident, 1930 Hanahan Rd. Suite 200 – Room 108 in North Charleston, Wednesday from 10-11 a.m.
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