CVS Health expands apprenticeship program footprint, hiring goals

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Health is expanding the states participating in its apprenticeship program and set a new apprentice hiring goal. The company said it anticipates hiring 5,000 new apprentices by 2022 as it welcomes Arizona, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania to its program, bringing its total number of statewide programs to 18.

CVS Health said that its registered apprenticeship programs offer participants structured training in such fields as pharmacy care and prescription benefit management while equipping them with a credential to help jump-start their careers.

"Apprenticeships help job creators fill open positions with skilled job seekers," said Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. “CVS Health's goal to hire thousands more apprentices reflects the strength of the apprenticeship model. The Administration is pleased to see the creation of more opportunities for Americans to learn the skills they need to find family-sustaining jobs.”

Since it first began a registered apprenticeship program for pharmacy technicians in 2005, CVS Health said it has seen more than 4,700 people join in the retail pharmacy, prescription benefit management and retail store management tracks. As part of its apprenticeship efforts, CVS health works with community organizations to ensure a consistent pipeline of apprentices.

"The widening skills gap in the U.S. is a significant business concern, and companies large and small are seeing this workplace strategy that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction as a viable solution to build a pipeline of future skilled talent," CVS Health executive vice president and chief human resources officer Lisa Bisaccia said. “Meaningful work and a defined career track can provide a source of dignity, pride and identity, which participants are able to gain through our Registered Apprenticeship programs.”

The Dept. of Labor has designated Nov. 13 to 19 National Apprenticeship Week.