Shalisha Robinson

Shalisha Robinson did not expect a career reset after 24 years in corporate America. But when she was laid off in March, the job search became a wake-up call. She had built a stable life and a strong professional identity as a compliance analyst, yet she found herself asking a new question. What comes next when the path you knew disappears.

For Shalisha, the answer was healthcare. It was a field she had thought about for years but never pursued because she felt comfortable where she was. This time, comfort was no longer an option. She wanted work that felt purposeful, and she wanted a trade she could build on.

Why Registered Apprenticeship

Shalisha’s introduction to Midwest Career Source began years earlier in an unexpected place, a high school expo she attended with her daughter, who was exploring nursing. That is where she met Dr. Sulbrena Day, and that connection never faded. Over the next two to three years, they stayed in touch through occasional texts and check-ins.

When Shalisha was laid off, Dr. Day understood both her potential and the hurdles she was facing. She shared an option Shalisha had not seriously considered before, a seven-week apprenticeship pathway with HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. At first, Shalisha hesitated. Coming from a corporate salary, starting again at an entry-level wage felt daunting. Still, she took what she calls a leap of faith and committed to the program.

What convinced her was the blueprint. Apprenticeship provided the roadmap into the field, and the structure helped her embrace the process. She trained alongside classmates of different ages, learned from an instructor who stayed hands-on, and experienced the kind of support system that kept her moving through the intensity of a fast-paced program.

Learning in the Real Environment

Shalisha completed her apprenticeship training through Midwest Career Source while training onsite at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, then stepped into her role as a patient care technician. She began working on a Med Surg floor, where she found a team culture that matched how she wants to show up for others.

She appreciated that the nurses did not simply correct mistakes. They taught. In Shalisha’s view, that approach made all the difference because real care is learned in real time. Textbook learning matters, but it becomes real when you are at the bedside, day after day, applying what you studied.

Once she was on her own, she continued to grow quickly because she felt supported, not judged. With every shift, she gained confidence that she belonged in the work.

Building Confidence Through Challenge

Starting over required more than motivation. Shalisha had to push through pride and uncertainty, especially because she already held a bachelor’s degree in human resource management. One of the biggest obstacles was financial. Because she was seen as overqualified, funding support was initially denied. It came down to the final day, and St. Elizabeth’s Hospital stepped in to cover the cost so she could continue.

That moment stayed with her because it reinforced what apprenticeship can do when employers commit to talent. It is not only training. It is belief, investment, and the kind of support that removes barriers at the exact moment someone is trying to change their life.

Shalisha also brought personal perspective into the role. As a Hodgkin’s lymphoma survivor, she knows what it feels like to be the person receiving care. That lived experience shaped her decision to pursue work that helps others feel seen and supported.

Benefits for Employers and Communities

Shalisha believes apprenticeship benefits employers because it creates a strong pipeline of people who are vetted, prepared, and serious about the work. In her view, the program attracts individuals who want to be there and who are willing to put in the effort it takes to succeed. It also gives employers staff they can trust with patients because the training is intensive and the expectations are clear.

For the community, the impact is just as important. Apprenticeship creates accessible pathways into healthcare at a time when many people are searching for stability and direction. It gives people a place to start, a support system to lean on, and a way to build momentum into long-term careers.

Looking Ahead

Shalisha is already taking her next steps. She has registered for classes to become a registered nurse, and she is planning her route intentionally. She is committed to her current role for a year while building toward the future. She is also encouraged by the education benefits available through her employer, including tuition reimbursement and continued support for advancement.

For Shalisha, apprenticeship did more than open a door. It helped her reclaim a sense of purpose after a major life change. It showed her that starting over is not failure. It is a new beginning with direction.

“Do not allow your fears of today to get in the way of your promotion tomorrow.”
— Shalisha Robinson