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HCC, Dwyer to sign agreement to train 500 certified nurse aides annually

May 17, 2023

Houston Community College (HCC) and Dwyer Workforce Development will formalize a Memorandum of Understanding to train and support up to 500 new health care professionals a year.

The event takes place at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 25 at the HCC Coleman College Tower, 1919 Pressler St. in the Texas Medical Center.

HCC Chancellor Cesar Maldonado Ph.D., P.E., and Dwyer CEO Barb Clapp will sign an agreement to launch the HCC/Dwyer Registered Apprenticeship Program. Under the program, Dwyer will support up to 500 apprentices annually for two years to allow them to earn Certified Nurse Aide certificates from HCC.

The partnership will offer high-potential residents from Houston and the surrounding area the opportunity to become Dwyer Scholars. Dwyer Scholars earn their CNA credentials at no cost so they can become members of the high-demand health care workforce.

“We’re pleased to enter into this agreement with Dwyer,” Dr. Maldonado said. “Our mission at HCC is to prepare and graduate highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce professionals and empower them through education. Partnering with Dwyer for the CNA apprenticeship program naturally aligns with our mission to serve our communities and improve lives – one student at a time."

Dwyer Workforce is a Maryland-based nonprofit with a record of supporting hundreds of students as they successfully earn their CNA credentials and launch their careers in health care. The HCC/Dwyer Registered Apprenticeship Program is Dwyer’s first partnership in Texas.

“Great things happen when you give people the tools to change their lives, and that’s what we plan to accomplish,” Clapp said. “Circumstances should not define lives, and we are proud to partner with HCC to change the circumstances for hundreds of Houston-area apprentices.”

According to Christina Robinson, Ed.D., executive director of HCC Work-Based Learning and Industry Partnerships, the initiative will help meet the growing demand for health care professionals and forge career pathways for participants.

“In addition to creating a strong talent pipeline for the health care industry, the partnership may motivate some CNAs to continue their education later to become licensed vocational nurses,” Dr. Robinson said. “It’s a smart collaboration that benefits everyone.”

For more information on this program, visit hccs.edu/apprenticeshiphub.