Butler Memorial Hospital receives $250,000 grant for preapprenticeship program
Butler Memorial Hospital has received a $250,000 grant from Pennsylvania’s Department of Labor and Industry to support its planned preapprenticeship program.
The grant, announced Wednesday, May 6, is part of a series of grants from the department totaling $2.7 million to 11 organizations across the state. The funds are intended to fund the creation or expansion of schools-to-work programs.
“We are grateful for the support from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry and excited for the opportunity to help build a local healthcare workforce pipeline for Butler County,” said Matthew Schnur, president of Butler Memorial and Clarion hospitals.
The preapprenticeship program — officially called the Healthcare Pathways Career Readiness Program — is targeted at preparing high school students for careers in key hospital positions, where they will fill critical workforce shortages. The hospital is partnering with Butler County Community College and the Butler Area School District. According to a January news release from the hospital, participants will have the opportunity to earn credits at BC3.
“The program will prepare students for clinical, administrative and healthcare support career pathways, including nursing assistants, medical assistants, clinical lab techs, EMTs, patient access roles, pharmacy technicians, environmental services, dietary services and other allied and support positions,” Schnur said. “This initiative is ... designed to introduce them to healthcare careers, provide instruction, credentials, early college credit, mentoring and work-based learning experiences.”
Schnur said the program is still in the planning stages.
“The grant runs from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2028, with curriculum finalization, partner coordination, registration, recruitment and placement occurring in phases,” Schnur said.
Steamfitters Local 449, the union of pipe-fitting and HVAC professionals which maintains its headquarters in Jackson Township, also received a grant. It received $250,000 to launch an HVAC preapprenticeship program.
