CVS Health, CCRI partner on STEM apprenticeship program

Data analytics and cybersecurity are not only integral components of a successful company, they are also highly in-demand career fields.

Recognizing the importance of developing skilled talent in these two areas, CVS Health has partnered with the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) to create an apprenticeship program for high school students interested in careers in information technology. The program will give participating students the opportunity to explore career options while receiving on-the-job training and college credit in data analytics and cybersecurity.

Funded by a $500,000 STEM apprenticeship grant from the U.S. Department of Education, the program is aiming to place more than 100 students statewide in apprenticeship positions by 2022.

As the lead employer involved in the program, CVS Health will work with CCRI to provide subject matter expertise on curriculum development. Students may also take part in mentoring opportunities and work-based learning experiences at the CVS Health corporate headquarters in Woonsocket.

“The widening skills gap in the U.S. is a significant business concern, and companies like CVS Health see apprenticeships, which offer on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction, as a viable solution to filling the need for highly-skilled workers,” said Lisa Bisaccia, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for CVS Health. “Through this opportunity, we are able to build a pipeline of talented and diverse candidates for our company, while providing meaningful work and a defined career path for the apprentices.”

Students will begin the program during their senior year of high school and will split their time between work at a job site and credit-bearing coursework through CCRI. The first year cohort will include 20 to 25 public high school seniors.

While taking part in the program, students will complete their high school diploma, and earn a Certificate of Apprenticeship Completion and up to 18 college credits through CCRI’s dual-enrollment Running Start program at no cost to students or families.