DePaul's Registered Community Health Worker Apprenticeship Program
The Registered Community Health Worker (CHW) Apprenticeship Program is a workforce development initiative designed to prepare individuals for meaningful careers in community health while helping employers build a skilled, committed, and community-connected workforce. Through 2,000 hours of structured, hands-on training, apprentices gain real-world experience, practical skills, and a deep understanding of the communities they serve. Participants are trained to support patient navigation, health education, care coordination, and connection to critical social services, making them job-ready and effective from day one.
DePaul serves as the sponsoring institution and provides the curriculum for both the 2,000 hours of on-the-job training (OJT) and the 144 hours of related instruction required for the program. The program also requires each employer partner to designate a skilled and experienced staff member to serve as a mentor for the apprentice. If a mentor is not currently available, DePaul can provide training and support to help prepare an appropriate staff member for the role.
Employers who participate in the program benefit from:
-
A job-ready workforce trained specifically for community health roles
-
Reduced recruitment and onboarding costs by developing talent from within the community
-
Higher employee retention and loyalty, as apprentices often remain with their organizations long term
-
Improved community trust and engagement, driven by culturally responsive care
-
Stronger organizational reputation through demonstrated investment in workforce and community development
-
Leadership development opportunities, creating a sustainable pipeline of future mentors and leaders
Because apprentices often live in or share lived experiences with the communities they serve, they bring cultural understanding, trust, and insight that strengthen patient relationships and improve follow-through on care. This community-rooted approach leads to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction, and stronger connections between organizations and the people they serve.
Why Businesses Should Turn a Trainee into Talent
DePaul encourages all employer partners participating in our 12-month Registered Community Health Worker (CHW) Apprenticeship Program to take the next step and hire your apprentices during their training period. You’ve already invested in their growth. Now is the time to bring that talent fully into your workforce.
-
You Already Know Their Value. You’ve helped shape their development, hiring them allows you to fully benefit from that investment
-
Your apprentice has been trained within your environment, understands your workflows, and aligns with your Mission. Apprentices build relationships with patients throughout their training. Hiring them ensures those trusted connections continue, improving engagement and outcomes.
-
Reduce Recruitment Gaps
-
Strengthen Contiuity of Care
-
Services are reimbursable for most third party payers
