This school year, the Santa Cruz County Office of Education (COE) is thrilled to report the strong start of our Medical, Dental, and Building Trades Pre-Apprenticeship (BTPA) programs. These programs are designed to equip students with industry-specific skills and experience, providing clear pathways into in-demand career fields. With enthusiastic new students, dedicated instructors, and innovative partnerships, we are excited for what this year has in store.
Launching the Dental Assisting Apprenticeship Program
In partnership with Dientes Community Dental Care, we are proud to announce the launch of the Dental Assisting Apprenticeship Program, which welcomed its first cohort on August 12, 2024. This program bridges the gap between education and employment, offering students a seamless pathway into a growing career field. With over 600 job openings annually in Santa Cruz County and nearby areas, the demand for qualified dental assistants is high, and this apprenticeship directly addresses the workforce need by providing hands-on training.
This program begins with five weeks of intensive classroom instruction, followed by paid on-the-job training. Apprentices will work 32 hours per week in local dental offices while attending weekly classes covering essential certifications, including Dental Radiation Safety, Infection Control, the Dental Practice Act, and CPR.
Alongside the apprenticeship pathway, we will continue offering our traditional Dental Assisting Program, led by instructor Debbie Martinez. This year, Debbie has expanded the program to include certifications in Infection Control and the Dental Practice Act through FADE, along with a new Coronal Polishing certification, approved by the CA Dental Board, which further supports students’ path toward a Registered Dental Assisting License. Applications for the 2025-2026 cohort will open in February 2025.
Medical Assisting Program Welcomes New Instructors
Our Medical Assisting (MA) program, led by new instructors Betsy Vasquez and Nayeli Diaz, is off to a great start. Both Betsy and Nayeli are alumni of the Santa Cruz COE MA program and bring extensive experience to the classroom. Betsy has spent 16 years specializing in Urgent Care, Hematology, and Oncology, while Nayeli, with eight years of experience, is cross-trained across multiple medical specialties, including Pediatrics, OBGYN, and Cardiology.
Students in the MA program are currently laying the foundation in human anatomy, preparing for hands-on practicals in the spring. Additionally, Transition Specialist Rita Medina has developed an online series of academic support resources for student convenience and success.
Building Trades Pre-Apprenticeship (BTPA): Preparing Students for the Workforce
The BTPA program, established in 2022, continues to grow and make a significant impact. With eight completed cohorts and over 40 graduates, students have successfully transitioned into various sectors, including local unions, public works departments, and private contractors.
This fall, we have launched two cohorts: one at Rountree Corrections Facility and another community-based program. The Rountree cohort, led by Sean Patrick with the support of new instructor Barnaby Lee, provides students with practical skills in trades, preparing them for union and contractor employment. The community-based program also kicked off in August with 15 students enrolled in a 10-week program focused on building and trades skills. Both cohorts will complete in October, after which students will be referred to local unions and trade partners for employment.
One success story that illustrates the impact of our BTPA program is that of Jerry Scheiber, a May 2023 graduate. After successfully completing the program, Jerry joined the Sheet Metal Union (Local 104) in San José, where he has embarked on a promising new career.
We look forward to continuing to expand our Medical, Dental, and BTPA programs, providing students with education and real-world training for rewarding careers. We encourage interested students and families to reach out and explore these unique pathways to success.