September 21, 2022 (Chattanooga, TN) --- In partnership with CHI Memorial, Chattanooga State Community College is now accepting applications for its first registered apprenticeship in a “white collar” occupation.

The one-year apprenticeship for Medical Assistants will include paid full-time employment at CHI’s Chattanooga-area clinics, classes in the evening and online, and on-the-job learning to prepare participants for a career with CHI.

At the end of their training, successful apprentices will be eligible to take the National Health Career Association’s Certified Clinical Medical Assistant exam.

Registered apprenticeship is a unique training program that operates under the supervision of both the Tennessee and United States Departments of Labor (DOL). Graduates receive a DOL certification that is recognized in all 50 states. Chattanooga State serves as the program sponsor, handling all paperwork and reporting to the DOL.

CHI Memorial joins such local business leaders as Gestamp Chattanooga, Komatsu, Mueller, WestRock, Valmont Industries, Sphere One and Chattanooga Bakery in becoming a registered apprenticeship partner with Chattanooga State.

“We launched our first apprenticeship in manufacturing in 2019,” said Pam Gitta, Chattanooga State’s Apprenticeship manager. “Since then, we’ve seen excellent growth in that field, but it’s exciting to show the community that apprenticeships are also available outside of traditional blue-collar careers.”

Interested applicants can forward their resumes to ewd@chattanoogastate.edu or call the apprenticeship office at (423) 697-3320.