It can be a struggle for caregiver employers to find competent, caring individuals trained to meet the needs of their clients. UNLV Continuing Education has launched its Personal Care Aide (PCA) Certificate Apprenticeship Program to meet the demand for personal care services. The PCA registered apprenticeship program is approved through the Department of Labor and Nevada’s Apprenticeship Project. Employers now will have a comprehensive, effective mechanism for training new staff in the essential skills and work ethic needed for success as a PCA.
Here’s how it works. PCA apprentice applicants are screened and hired through area employers. Applicants selected as a good fit complete personal care aide education, plus training in effective communication and report writing. Tuition for this portion of the training is covered by Workforce Connection partner agencies or Nevada’s Apprenticeship Project. After successful completion of the classroom and orientation requirements, new personal care aides transition into their paid apprenticeship with their partnering employer. On average, PCAs will work up to six months as an apprentice before transitioning to regular employee status.
Interested caregiver employers may contact Jodi Gilliland, UNLV Continuing Education program coordinator, by phone at 702-895-5099 or email at jodi.gilliland@unlv.edu.
