CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — Parkland College has launched its first healthcare registered apprenticeship, partnering with Gibson Area Hospital to create a paid pathway for students pursuing careers as certified surgical technologists.
The program combines academic instruction with hands-on clinical experience. Apprentices will spend two years at Parkland completing an associate’s degree in Applied Science degree in surgical technology, followed by six months of full-time work at Gibson Area Hospital. A key feature of the program is that apprentices are paid during the clinical portion of their training.
“This program represents an exciting milestone as Parkland’s first healthcare registered apprenticeship,” said Aimee Densmore, Parkland’s Director of Apprenticeships. “This model allows students to earn while they learn while preparing for in-demand careers that directly support patient care in our region.”
Gibson Area Hospital Executive Director of Nursing Adrian Feldkamp, a Parkland alumnus who began his career as a surgical technologist, said the partnership reflects the hospital’s commitment to building its workforce from within.
“Our hope is not only to support students through their training, but to continue growing them and strengthening our team from within,” Feldkamp said. “My professional journey highlights the strength of Parkland’s education system and Gibson Area Hospital’s vision for internal growth.”
Businesses interested in apprenticeship partnerships can contact Densmore at adensmore@parkland.edu. Students can learn more at parkland.edu/apprenticeship.
