The County of San Bernardino Workforce Investment Board announced today that it still has paid internship vacancies available for recently qualified healthcare students.
This will allow medical graduates with no previous experience to gain the training and skills they need to be offered a permanent position and establish a career. The internships are On-the-Job Training positions designed to become full-time, regular positions after 90 days.
The Workforce Investment Board was awarded the Dislocated Worker Training National Emergency Grant from the California Workforce Investment Board in the amount of $266,150 to help place 40 individuals in professional level positions in a growing industry.
The grant is designed to assist dislocated workers who have lost a job due to a layoff or company closure. The goal is to provide paid work experience for those who have earned certification in the medical field but are finding it difficult to get back to work.
The key medical professions of focus include, but are not limited to, Registered Nurses, Sonographers, Licensed Vocational Nurses and X-Ray Technicians. Traditionally, these jobs would be offered to candidates with more work experience.
“This is an excellent opportunity for newly licensed candidates to get their foot in the door at a local medical facility,” Workforce Investment Board Executive Director Sandy Harmsen commented. “This grant funding provides a connection to employers that these candidates need.”
Tina Soto, 42, from Victorville, is a great example of the program benefits. She was unemployed for three months before the Workforce Investment Board placed her in an On-the-Job Training position with Bright Now! Dental Center in Barstow this summer.
Dr. Hector Magpayo was impressed with her skills and work ethic and offered Tina a permanent job after 90 days.
“I’m so happy to be working again,” said Tina. “Even though I am a qualified Registered Dental Assistant, it was difficult for me to find a job. I am so grateful for the assistance I received.”
Dr. Magpayo said the program works well, “Sometimes small offices like ours cannot take the risk of spending the time and money on training a new employee. Tina is an excellent fit for our practice and that was an important factor – the applicant was matched well with our business.”
San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chair Janice Rutherford added, “This healthcare grant is another example of how the Workforce Investment Board is placing residents in excellent jobs, while meeting the needs of demand industries.”
Licensed medical professionals hoping to take part in this opportunity should contact the County of San Bernardino Workforce Investment Board at 1(800) 451-JOBs or visit www.csb-win.org.