Governor Visits Morganton On Thursday

Summary

Governor Josh Stein visited Morganton, North Carolina, to announce the launch of STEP-NC: Health Care, the state's first health care apprenticeship program. This initiative aims to address health care worker shortages and create career pathways for high school students, recent graduates, and adult learners through partnerships with local institutions.

The program's pilot will begin at Broughton Hospital and the J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center, with plans to expand to other state-operated health facilities. By providing tuition-free training and focusing on building a stronger workforce, this initiative aims to meet the growing mental health needs in North Carolina and strengthen the behavioral health workforce.

Why this matters for apprenticeships

This story highlights a significant step towards addressing workforce shortages in the health care sector through registered apprenticeship programs. By creating pathways for new professionals, the program not only meets immediate staffing needs but also contributes to the long-term sustainability of the health care workforce.