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State of the Union shines spotlight on CVS Health's apprenticeship program

Antoinette Alexander
1/23/2015

 



WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Health’s apprenticeship program garnered national attention during President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address on Tuesday as he called on more businesses to follow CVS Health’s lead and offer more educational benefits and paid apprenticeships.



As the President stated in his address, such opportunities “give workers the chance to earn higher-paying jobs even if they don't have a higher education.”



CVS Health president and CEO Larry Merlo was one of several guests invited to the address by First Lady Michelle Obama.



CVS Health has a rich history in apprenticeships. In 2005, it became the first employer to launch a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship program for pharmacy technicians. Since then, CVS Health has placed more than 1,500 colleagues in Registered Apprenticeship career tracks in retail pharmacy and management and is committed to doubling that number over the next five years.



“Apprenticeships are a powerful tool for both the apprentice and for CVS Health,” said David Casey, VP of workforce strategies and chief diversity officer. “Participants receive hands-on experience, industry-recognized credentials and, in some cases, college credit, while CVS Health is able to develop a pipeline of talented and skilled employees.”



CVS Health is the sponsor of two Registered Apprenticeship programs. Career Prescriptions for Success was piloted in Detroit in 2005 and later replicated in other cities. Participants receive classroom and online instruction, professional mentorship, and on-the-job training, as well as pre-employment and post-placement retention support. As CVS Health expands its Registered Apprenticeship program, it will be looking at whether it can also offer apprenticeship opportunities in other areas of the business, such as PBM, specialty pharmacy, nursing and digital.



CVS Health emphasized that it recognizes the role training and development plays in helping workers reach their potential. In addition to apprenticeships, the company also offers many other learning opportunities in all areas of its business.



The company also tweeted about its commitment to double its pharmacy technician apprenticeship program:



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