New program will offer apprenticeships starting in January, and provide trainees with a recognized national credential and guaranteed employment at Gesher

Gesher Human Services, one of the largest human service agencies in metro Detroit, will begin offering paid, on-the-job training for local residents who would like to start a human service career in working with people with disabilities. The program is being launched because the nonprofit constantly hears about people who would like to work in direct care but are told they aren’t suitable because they don’t have the needed experience. • The Gesher Direct Support Professional Apprenticeship program will provide unemployed and underemployed individuals with on-the-job training and 155 hours related technical instruction to earn a nationally recognized Journeyperson Direct Support Specialist Credential. Apprentices will be matched with a journeyperson at Gesher who will provide training, support and mentoring to the apprentice. • Direct care work could include working in residential homes with people living with mental illness or other disabilities, or providing job support to metro Detroiters living with intellectual and other disabilities employed at work sites. • The new program will be ongoing and there is no limit to the number of openings; it is expected that at least 20 apprentices will train in 2024. • Participants don’t need prior experience – which has been a barrier to people entering this career – but need to formally apply, pass background checks, be available to worked 35 hours a week, attend classes and apply for services with Michigan Works • Cost of classes will be covered by Gesher Human Services; classroom time will be scheduled outside of work hours • Apprentices will earn at least $15.32 an hour, and $16.67 once the internship is completed, with an earning potential of $20.35. Apprentices are also eligible for benefits and vacation while training. • Interested candidates can apply for the internship at www.geshermi.org