Elizabeth
Elizabeth was unsure of where to go next in her career when she discovered a social media post promoting Shawnee Health’s Dental Assistant Apprenticeship Program. At the time, she had been pursuing a social services degree at Shawnee Community College. Elizabeth was looking for an opportunity that offered a clear career path with hands-on experience, and this seemed like a perfect fit.
In June 2024, Elizabeth applied to the Dental Assistant Apprenticeship Program at Shawnee Health. She was accepted and connected with Man-Tra-Con Corporation for additional assistance.
Throughout her apprenticeship, Man-Tra-Con helped support Elizabeth’s career path by purchasing scrubs and establishing an On-the-Job Training (OJT) contract that benefited both Elizabeth and Shawnee Health during the training period. This collaboration helped remove barriers to success, plus allowed Elizabeth to earn wages while she studied and received valuable hands-on experience in a professional healthcare setting.
Elizabeth says, “One of the most rewarding parts of the program was building relationships with the dental team. Learning directly from experienced dentists and dental assistants gave me encouragement and inspiration to stay focused on completing the program.”
Balancing hands-on clinical training with self-paced online coursework required dedication and strong time management skills. Elizabeth remained motivated and successfully completed the program in June 2026. She is currently working full-time as a Dental Assistant at Shawnee Health in Carbondale, Illinois.
The apprenticeship program at Shawnee Health provided the education, industry-recognized credentials, and practical experience Elizabeth needed to launch her career as a Dental Assistant. Elizabeth credits the program with helping her move forward on a career path that offered opportunities for continued professional growth while supporting her family’s future.
Looking ahead, Elizabeth plans to advance in the dental field by pursuing opportunities as an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant and exploring a future in dental surgery. Her 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.
When asked what advice Elizabeth would 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,” Elizabeth says.