Unsure of where to go next in her career, Elizabeth discovered a social media post promoting Shawnee Health's Dental Assistant Registered Apprenticeship Program. At the time, she was pursuing a degree in social services at Shawnee Community College. Still, she was looking for an opportunity that offered a clear career path and hands-on experience. After applying, she was accepted into the program and connected with Man-Tra-Con for additional support. Throughout the Apprenticeship, Man-Tra-Con helped remove barriers to success by purchasing scrubs and establishing an On-the-Job Training (OJT) contract to support both Elizabeth and Shawnee Health during the training period. This partnership allowed her to earn while she learned and gain valuable experience in a professional healthcare setting. One of the most rewarding parts of the program was building relationships with the dental team. Learning directly from experienced dentists and dental assistants provided encouragement and inspiration to stay focused on completing the program. While balancing hands-on clinical training with self-paced online coursework required dedication and strong time-management skills, Elizabeth remained motivated and met the program's expectations. 

The Registered Apprenticeship provided the education, industry-recognized credentials, and practical experience needed to launch a career in dental assisting. The apprentice credits the program with helping her move forward on a career path that offers opportunities for continued professional growth while supporting her family's future. When asked what advice to offer future Apprenticeship participants, she emphasized the importance of staying motivated and embracing online learning. "Be prepared to learn online and always continue to push forward."

Looking ahead, Elizabeth plans to continue advancing within the dental profession by pursuing opportunities as an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant and exploring a future in dental surgery. Their journey demonstrates how Registered Apprenticeships can open doors to meaningful careers by combining classroom instruction, paid on-the-job learning, and strong support from employers and workforce partners.