Back in November, the APCA/SC AHEC wrapped up our first Integrated English Training (IET) PATH Academy, in partnership with the Alaska Literacy Program (ALP). This training provides pre-employment training and opportunities to individuals who are English Language Learners. The IET training focused on job readiness, career exploration, and most importantly infused English skills training for those who find language as a barrier to employment. The course was a great success – with almost all program finishers finding employment as Direct Support Professionals and Personal Care Attendants at the conclusion of the program. During this fall training there were a total of 12 IET PATH completers and about 9 were successfully placed in employment. Some have continued on to complete additional training as Certified Nurse Assistants. Participants completed Basic Life Support (CPR), Mental Health First Aid, Professionalism in Health Care training, and topics covering cultural navigation of the U.S workforce. We expect to have a second cohort this spring, April 5th – May 28th 2021.

As of this writing, all program participants are still employed.