LifeBridge Health Earns State Approval for Apprenticeship Programs, Expands Workforce Pipeline

New initiative builds on LifeBridge Health’s workforce programs to grow talent and close healthcare workforce gaps

LifeBridge Health has received approval from the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council for seven new apprenticeship programs, a major milestone that strengthens the health system’s ability to grow its own workforce and develop the next generation of healthcare professionals.

The approved programs span critical roles including surgical technicians, critical care technicians, pharmacy technicians, laboratory technicians, CNAs (certified nursing assistants), licensed practical nurses and limited-license X-ray technicians.

Together, the programs are designed to create structured career pathways for current team members while building a sustainable pipeline of trained talent to meet ongoing workforce needs across the region, particularly in roles that have been harder to fill.

“These apprenticeships are about investing in our team members and creating real opportunities for growth,” says Holly Phipps Adams, vice president of human resources and culture at LifeBridge Health. “Our team members want to build their careers here, and these programs give them a clear path to do that while also helping us meet the needs of the patients and communities we serve.”

She adds, “Registered apprenticeship is considered the highest standard for structured workforce training. It combines classroom instruction followed by paid, on-the-job learning and mentorship, leading to a recognized credential or certification upon completion.”

The state requires that each program includes at least 144 hours of classroom learning and 2,000 hours of on-the-job training, ensuring participants gain both the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to succeed in their new roles. Some apprenticeships may have more required classroom learning or on-the-job training. 

Maryland Registered Apprenticeship programs must meet several core criteria. According to the Department of Labor website, among these are: “Apprenticeships are generally full-time positions offering one year or more of supervised training. Apprentices are regular (W2) employees, and their pay increases as their skill and experience increase. Apprentices participate in coursework that reinforces what they learn on the job. Upon completion, apprentices receive a nationally recognized Certification of Apprenticeship Completion, issued by the Maryland Department of Labor.”

The apprenticeship model allows team members to advance into new positions while remaining employed and working within the organization, strengthening retention and creating opportunities for long-term career growth.

The LifeBridge Health approved programs include:

• Carroll Hospital CNA Apprenticeship Program
• Levindale Licensed Practical Nursing Program
• LifeBridge Health Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship Program
• LifeBridge Health Limited License X-Ray Technician Apprenticeship Program
• LifeBridge Health Pharmacy Technician Apprenticeship Program
• Northwest Hospital Surgical Technician Apprenticeship Program
• Sinai Hospital Critical Care Technician Apprenticeship Program

“These programs represent more than an investment in filling critical workforce gaps; they reflect our long-term commitment to investing in our people. We want to create meaningful pathways for our team members to learn, grow and pursue new opportunities within our organization,” Phipps Adams says. “We’re not just hiring for today. We’re creating a system that develops skilled, compassionate professionals for the future.”