The Training Fund and Health Care Apprenticeship Consortium are honored to present Merit Resource Services with the 2024 Innovative Employer Award for being an exemplary partner and their significant contribution to sustainable workforce solutions through apprenticeship.
Merit Resource Services has actively engaged, collaborated and partnered with the Training Fund on the Substance Use Disorder Apprenticeship program beginning in the Fall of 2022. Merit Resource Services has been a strong advocate for helping support development of a strong sustainable apprenticeship program in the behavioral health field.
As an early adopter and ongoing apprenticeship program partner across seven clinics, Merit Resource Services currently has 11 apprentices supporting behavioral health services. They have been an advocate for the benefits of apprenticeship as a pathway to address workforce shortages with providers and also policy groups. Importantly, they have also demonstrated a commitment to diversity and have proven to be an outstanding thought partner and supporter of the Training Fund’s Behavioral Health Apprenticeship programs.
12/11/2024 Staff pose outside the Yakima Merit Resource Services office. Back Row L to R: Ty Denner (Apprentice), Victor Fernandez (Apprentice), Anna Huson (Apprentice), Sara Palmer (Apprentice), Cody Garner (Apprentice). Front Row L to R: Dave Burkett (MRS Board Member), Brittany Derry (Apprentice), Eriberto Diaz (Apprentice), Jodi Gonzales (Apprentice), Shereen Hunt (MRS Executive Director), Alina Olivarez (Apprentice), Litzy Figueroa (Apprentice), and Leigh Christopherson (Director of Strategic Partnerships, Training Fund)
“The partnership between the Health Care Apprenticeship Consortium and Merit Resource Services has greatly benefited rural communities and underserved populations. The Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) Apprenticeship program has helped address our workforce shortage by attracting a diverse group of SUDPs into the behavioral health workforce. By addressing these workforce needs, our agency has enhanced accessibility and increased patient services across all our locations.”
Pedro Lopez, SUDP Treatment Director, Merit Resource Services
The Training Fund on behalf of “The 2024 Innovative Employer Award” will designate a scholarship for future SUDP apprenticeship applicants to apply towards degree completion at Olympic College or Eastern Washington University in a total amount of $5,000 per college. Funding is provided through College Sparks and will support continued advancement in the behavioral health career pathway. Thank you to Merit Resource Services for your continued partnership and congratulations on this award. Future apprentices will benefit from this scholarship in recognition of your partnership! Application details coming soon!