Matchmaking was not Dean Erika Vargas’ original intent.
Fortunately for students in West Valley College’s School of Health and Human Development, led by Dean Erika Vargas, it turns out she has an eye for what makes a successful partnership — when it comes to pairing student apprentices with health care employers.
As lead of WVC's Older Adult Program, Dean Vargas saw an opportunity while building relationships with area organizations from athletic clubs to retirement facilities. Our community partners, she learned, needed skilled health and fitness workers. And our students — studying to become orthopedic technicians, insurance billing specialists, and fitness and wellness instructors — needed hands-on training to complete certification.
The result: creation of Community Wellness Partner Program (CWPP) and its innovative student apprenticeship initiative. The first two student apprentices were placed for fall semester with seven more scheduled for spring 2026 placements.
Time-consuming onboarding steps and administrative paperwork historically made many health care employers hesitant about taking on short-term apprentices. CWPP handles logistics, so employers can focus on training. Thanks to a committed West Valley College Foundation donor, CWPP also provides payment to students, so they don’t have to choose between gaining the experience they need and working to support themselves, Vargas said.
“The greatest impact is that our students can now earn industry wages while completing their required training hours, allowing them to stay in school, build their résumés, and support themselves, all at once,” she said.
Partner organizations contribute to the program and receive a range of customized benefits. Saratoga Retirement Community and Novelle Senior Living have signed on, with additional collaborations in development.