Council highlights youth apprenticeships and employer liability as barriers to placing under‑18 students in clinical roles

Council members discussed concrete models for youth apprenticeships and the operational barriers employers cite when considering under‑18 students for clinical placements.

Carrie Perkins, a medical anthropologist and qualitative researcher with the Department of Health, summarized feedback gathered with HOSA students and advisers. She said three themes dominated student accounts: hands‑on, relational exposure mattered most; mentorship and trusted adults navigated opportunities; and structural and financial barriers—age restrictions, pay‑to‑play programs and rigid course sequencing—blocked access for many motivated students. “Exposure is most powerful when it is hands on, relational, and real,” Perkins said, describing site visits, simulations and regional conferences as pivotal.

Apprenticeship models: Mary Galvez Romalete and James Ramirez of the SEIU 1199 NW Multi‑Employer Training Fund described pre‑apprenticeship (IHAP) and full youth apprenticeship models in behavioral health, medical assisting and pharmacy technician tracks. Ramirez emphasized that apprenticeships are employment pathways with upfront curriculum plus on‑the‑job training and mentoring; he described partnerships that deliver college credits and industry certifications.

Employer liability and age limits: Members raised employer reluctance driven by liability, HIPAA concerns, allowable‑task rules and minor‑employment restrictions. Sue Skillman (UW CHWS) and others noted real cases where students who completed credentials still could not be hired because they were a few months short of turning 18. One participant summed that problem: “they were born 3 months too late to be 18.”

Policy levers and near‑term steps: Participants suggested the council focus on fiscally responsible, near‑term actions: convening employer-focused pilots, preparing scope‑of‑work templates and clarifying regulatory questions with relevant agencies (Boards of Nursing/Department of Health). Members also urged using trusted regional messengers (AHECs, hospital associations, training‑fund partners) to 'myth‑bust' misunderstandings about licensing and liability and to promote employer buy‑in.

Next steps: Staff will explore convening a targeted employer roundtable, circulate existing regulatory guidance, and track pilots that demonstrate safe, supervised placements for younger students. The council will revisit these items in June during in‑person strategic planning.