Pictured (l. to r., from front) are Cher Tara of the CareerCenter; students Casey Moore, Paula Caron, Jennifer Robichaud, Jennifer Daigneault, and Roxanne Belle; Brittany Blais of St. Mary’s Health System; Nursing Unit Manager Danielle Harmon; CNA Instructor Gloria Barker; students Emily Jackson and Casey Fitzpatrick; CNA Instructors Teri Cyr and Brianna Robinson; Linda Roberts of the CareerCenter; and Jennifer Tiner of Lewiston Adult Education. (Photo by Monica Millhime)

Nine Lewiston Adult Education students recently graduated as Certified Nurses’ Aides at a pinning ceremony attended by family, friends, administrators, teachers, and community partners. The students successfully completed a collaborative program of Ready2Work provided by Lewiston Adult Education and an On-the-Job Training Program through grant funding provided by Western Maine Community Action and the Lewiston CareerCenter.

“This graduating class is not only the result of the students’ dedication, but also of the best model of train-to-work in which business, education, and workforce development agencies collaborate to provide training,” said WMCA-Lewiston CareerCenter Site Coordinator Patti Saarinen.

On-the-Job Training is an incentive-based program providing 50% of a trainee’s wages during the duration of the program. Students receive the skills and knowledge essential to the specific job through a combination of classroom study and work-based field training.

“Lewiston Adult Education is proud of our graduating students who completed this rigorous program, which included 100 hours of Work Ready training, 110 hours of combined CNA classroom and lab work, and 70 hours of clinical practicum,” said LAE Assistant Director Jennifer Tiner. “The partnership on this program between Lewiston Adult Education, WMCA, the Career Center, and St. Mary’s Health System is an example of the success that can be achieved through the integration of education and training.”

For more information on work-driven educational training opportunities and partnerships, contact the nearest CareerCenter, call 754-9040, or email monica.millhime@maine.gov.