Three Caymanian students have graduated from Integrate Healthcare’s inaugural assistant apprenticeship programme, after spending two years undertaking paid, on-the-job clinical training and earned a recognised UK qualification as healthcare assistants.
The programme offered the students – Latysha Powell, Tishawana Gauntlett and Ashley Swaby – comprehensive clinical training and the chance to acquire a ‘Care Certificate’ qualification, a press release from the healthcare company noted.
The release stated that the programme was brought about through a collaboration of local business leaders and organisations. Its founders include Dr. Sara L. Watkin of Integra Healthcare and Kimone Chambers of Workforce Opportunities and Residency Cayman.
“The results of the apprenticeship programme are truly inspiring, with two apprentices now aspiring to become nurses and one aiming to become a phlebotomist,” said Watkin, a paediatrician and clinical lead for education at Integra Healthcare. “The course not only provided the students with invaluable experience within the healthcare sector, but it also instilled in them the confidence and aptitude to pursue a lifelong career in the field.”
Now that they have completed the programme, the graduates have the option to continue working with Integra Healthcare or explore healthcare roles elsewhere, including further education in nursing.
“Designed to upskill and prepare young Caymanian talents for rewarding careers in healthcare, this programme marks a significant milestone in our country’s ability to nurture local talent and foster excellence in a critical industry that often needs to recruit from overseas,” said Chambers, programme coordinator for the National Training and Development Unit at WORC.
She added, “At the same time, graduates have the ability to continue their careers outside of our borders as the comprehensive Care Certificate is esteemed abroad.”
The certificate comprises 15 standards, necessitating self-study, workbook submissions, and assessments of knowledge and understanding. The apprentices receive dedicated time for personal study and regular meetings with their supervisor to ensure steady progress.
After completing the certificate, the apprentices continue to meet with their mentors and supervisors to further develop their skills and competencies, the release noted.
“The journey of these three graduates has been nothing short of remarkable, witnessing their professional growth and development throughout the course,” said Deidre Ryan, lead nurse at Integra. “We are immensely proud of their achievements and look forward to
supporting many more aspiring healthcare professionals in the future.”
Related Videos
