From the moment I started my journey as a Desktop Support Apprentice (or Information Systems Apprentice) at Northwestern Medicine, the decision to choose this path became increasingly evident. Being an apprentice in such a high-priority healthcare institution was about gaining technical skills and immersing myself in an environment that thrives on innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to patient care. The primary reason for pursuing an apprenticeship was the unique opportunity to bridge the gap between things I learned in school (at the College of DuPage) between knowledge and practical application.

Northwestern Medicine strongly emphasizes hands-on experience, allowing apprentices (like me) to work directly with cutting-edge technologies and real-world challenges. This dynamic approach enhances technical skills and fosters a deeper understanding of the healthcare industry’s needs. In desktop support, my experiences ranged from troubleshooting hardware and software issues to implementing system upgrades seamlessly.

The mentorship provided by seasoned professionals ensured a steady learning curve, allowing me to grow in confidence and competence. Working with experts in the field accelerated my technical proficiency and exposed me to the critical role desktop support plays in maintaining the hospital’s day-to-day operations. I feel like I’m already growing at an alarming rate; pretty soon, I feel like I will be able to find the solution to anything in the realm of my department’s abilities.

Collaboration was a cornerstone of my experience as an apprentice at NM. The healthcare environment demands a high level of teamwork, and my role allowed me to interface with various departments, from nursing to administration. I’ve worked on numerous projects with people on other teams, like managing Apple products and developing ideas for healthcare providers to maintain a steady and productive workflow. I’ve also worked with Networkers, Systems Engineers, Sound Design, and Cybersecurity teams. This cross-functional collaboration not only broadened my understanding of the healthcare system but also honed my communication skills, showed me a whole new side of IT, and made me start to come up with ideas about which branch of IT I would want to pursue.

The work environment at Northwestern Medicine is very positive and friendly. The energy within the IT department is excellent, driven by a shared commitment to excellence and a passion for leveraging technology to enhance patient care. In retrospect, choosing to be a Desktop Support Apprentice at Northwestern Medicine was a transformative decision but a pivotal step in terms of what I want to pursue.

James Lovell is 19 years old and lives in rural Cass County with a family of seven, including four siblings. He met the criteria for a low-income participant when he graduated high school in May 2022. A few months later, he began working part-time at McDonald’s in Beardstown, Illinois, earning $13.00 an hour. With no other formal training and after seeing the quality of care provided to one of his family members, James decided he also wanted to begin pursuing a career in the healthcare field. He chose to start with Basic Nurse Assistant (CNA) training at Midwest Technical Institute (MTI).

Living in Chandlerville, Illinois while MTI is in Springfield, Illinois, James traveled over 88 miles round trip each day back and forth to Springfield for his training. Fortunately, support services with mileage help offset his daily gas expenses to eliminate this barrier.

He finished training with a 92% and passed his state board exam on the first attempt within two weeks of completing his training. On-the-job training options were explored. However, James wasted no time with his job search and began searching for employment opportunities before completing his training.
He began employment as a CNA approximately five weeks after that, working full-time for Heritage Health in Jacksonville, IL. His starting pay rate was $7.00 more per hour than his hourly rate at enrollment.

Jasmin Foster, at the age of 23, lives in Jonesboro, IL, and was approved for the WIOA Program to pursue a license in the Truck Driving Program in Fall 2022 at Shawnee Community College. Jasmin chose this career path to pick herself up and do something productive to provide for her two little boys. The short class with an excellent reward and pay greatly influenced her decision.

Jasmin states, “The WIOA Program gave me an opportunity I will never forget. Without this program, I could not have attended Shawnee College and enrolled in Truck Driving. I will forever be grateful for the program itself as well as the people who are a part of it.” The program helped her focus on school without worrying about finances. Right after receiving her CDL, Jasmin went to work for Ready Mix Solutions. Jasmin says that “my work experience with Ready Mix Solutions is much more than just driving a truck. I am responsible for delivering and pouring a perishable item within a certain time frame. I have been able to apply my quick-thinking skills and professionalism as I work closely with contractors and civilians to complete jobs well and promptly.”

“I still receive SNAP benefits for my boys, but the amount has decreased significantly since starting my new profession. I am happy to say that I will no longer need them at the rate I am moving.”

“I am indebted to the WIOA program for helping me to get to where I am today. I am proud to say that I thrive in a male-dominated field and earn lots of respect. I love my new career, and I’m thrilled with my choice to enroll in the Shawnee Community College Tuck Driving program”. Jasmin also wants to extend her appreciation to the Shawnee Development Council, Inc. WIOA Program by saying, “Thank you.”