CVS Health expands Registered Apprenticeship program
WOONSOCKET, R.I. — As part of CVS Health's commitment to workforce and community development, the company is expanding its Registered Apprenticeship program to several new markets, as well as new fields and concentrations. Registered Apprenticeships provide participants with structured training to maintain the high level of skill needed in complex fields, such as pharmacy care, and equips participants with a nationally recognized portable credential that will help them advance their career.
"At CVS Health, we know the value of investing in the communities we serve, particularly in workforce development," said David Casey, VP workforce strategies and chief diversity officer. "Through programs such as Registered Apprenticeships, we are not only helping to equip community members and potential job candidates with the tools they need to succeed in their careers, we are also ensuring that our company has a strong pipeline of talented colleagues."
CVS Health was the first employer to launch a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship program for pharmacy technicians in 2005. Since then, CVS Health has placed more than 1,500 colleagues in Registered Apprenticeship career tracks in retail pharmacy and management and has committed to doubling that number over the next five years.
"National Apprenticeship Week provides business, education, and community leaders as well as students and workers with the unique chance to elevate and expand the conversation around the positive impact of apprenticeships in America," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez. "For decades, the skilled trades have led the way in developing and refining American apprenticeships. Today, forward thinking companies like CVS Health are using that same 'earn while you learn' foundation and applying it in never before seen ways to expand opportunities for working people in America."
To deliver on the company's commitment to double its number of apprentices, CVS Health has developed partnerships with several organizations across the country, including the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, Houston Community College, the Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board and State of Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards as well as the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, to create new Registered Apprenticeship programs and expand existing programs.
With the assistance of U.S. Department of Labor American Apprenticeship Grants, CVS Health and its partners will be increasing existing Registered Apprenticeship opportunities for pharmacy technicians in Michigan; expanding Registered Apprenticeship opportunities for pharmacy technicians to Arkansas, Missouri, Rhode Island, Texas and Wisconsin; expanding Registered Apprenticeship opportunities for retail store managers in Rhode Island; developing new Registered Apprenticeship programs for pharmacy technicians in specialty pharmacy services in Michigan and Wisconsin; and developing a new Registered Apprenticeship program for pharmacy technicians in the company's CVS/caremark Call Center in Dallas.
As CVS Health continues to develop and expand its Registered Apprenticeship program, the company will explore how it can offer apprenticeship opportunities in additional fields, including logistics and digital as well.
"Meaningful work and a defined career track can provide a source of dignity, pride and identity," added Casey. "We're proud to be able to offer participants both through Registered Apprenticeship."