In Partnership with
and
Incumbent Worker Program - Partnering for success
By: Beverly Lindsey
Lutheran General again has found a successful formula for providing associates with a unique career growth opportunity at the hospital.
Ten hospital associates recently completed the first Incumbent Worker Training Program, learning skills needed to ready themselves for advancement to other hospital positions or promotional opportunities in their own departments.
This pilot program, which involved 27 hours of classroom instruction over a three-month period, was offered through a partnership between The Illinois workNet Center, Lutheran General and Oakton Community College. A grant from the Workforce Board of Northern Cook County made the program possible.
Coursework included keyboard and communication skills, along with instruction in basic medical terminology and medical insurance topics. "Our goal for this program was to engage associates, encourage them to stay with us, help them grow and provide them with tools to move up to the next level," said James Ng, Manager of recruitment services.
Based on the glowing comments made by those who received their course completion certificates, the program was a hit. As one participant stated, "I'm very thankful for this program. It's given me a sense of pride, hope and ambition to continue to learn so I can make it in this world."
