MORGANTOWN — Mon Health Medical Center has entered into an agreement with Laurel Business Institute to allow LBI students in its registered apprenticeship program for electricians obtain on-the-job training at the hospital once they graduate.
LBI spokeswoman Cori Cowan said its Department of Labor-approved program allows graduates to apply their 1,500 hours of classwork to their apprenticeship, and shortens the timeframe for them to take the licensed journeyman test from four years to two-three years.
The hospital is one of several area employers participating with LBI, Cowan said. “Employers like Mon Health who are forward-thinking in their approach to long term employee development can sign on to Laurel’s apprenticeship at no cost or added administration on their parts.”
LBI also bought from Mon Health Medical Center its former medical office building at 200 Wedgewood Drive and will use the building as its new campus, vacating the Westover site.
LBI’s Westover site offers programs in cosmetology, electrical technician, hair styling and nail technician, phlebotomy technician and massage therapy.
“Looking toward the future,” Cowan said, “LBI is not only looking at growth in terms of space but also the programs we offer. We are in hopes of adding other medical field training programs to the new location that mirror those we have at some of our other locations. Also, the new electrical trades apprenticeship program will also be adding to our relationship with Mon Health in terms of trained employees for hospital and facility maintenance.”
Mon Health Medical Center’s Chief Administration Officer Mark Gilliam said the hospital engages with several training schools – for-profit and nonprofit: such as its Cornerstone Residency Program with Fairmont State’s nursing school. “We have utilized interns from Pierpont Technical and partner with West Virginia Junior College on the phlebotomy program.
“LBI’s interest in expanding their footprint through the purchase of the Wedgewood property provided opportunity for us to continue our path of developing the workforce in West Virginia,” he said.
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