New Essentia apprenticeship program celebrates its first graduates

DULUTH, Minn. — A new program designed to bridge a crucial gap in health care has its first graduates.

Jake Galatz and Elijah Zielke are the first graduates of the Surgical Technologists Apprenticeship at Essentia Health – St. Mary’s.

Surgical technologists work alongside surgeons to ensure procedures are conducted safely and efficiently.

This apprenticeship program is designed to address the shortage of surgical technologists, which is particularly felt in rural communities.

“Elijah and Jake, you are stepping into a role that is critical to the success of surgical teams, but most importantly, the care of our patients. You have proven that hard work, determination and collaboration can lead to extraordinary outcomes” said Ray Kordek, Program Manager of the Surgical Technology Program.

The apprenticeship is a 12-month paid program that combines studying, on-the-job training and mentorship from certified surgical technologists.

Essentia covered all educational costs, with the agreement that they work at Essentia for at least two years.