After graduating high school, Tyler immediately began working in the construction industry. He stayed in the field off and on for more than 15 years before deciding it wasn’t what he wanted to do for the rest of his life.
As he searched for a new career path, he looked at several options, including becoming a plumbing apprentice. However, he realized the training would cost him a lot of money and time, while also requiring extensive travel. Going to school for a traditional four-year degree wasn’t right for him at that moment either. 
Through a friend, he discovered the TRIMEDX/AAMI BMET Apprenticeship program and realized it was a great fit in an exciting industry.
“There is so much opportunity here,” says Tyler.
Tyler joined the second class of TRIMEDX apprentices in the fall of 2023. He and three other apprentices are taking part in the two-year program. In partnership with the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), the program combines traditional education with up to 6,000 hours of on-the-job learning. Apprentices complete hands-on training in a hospital with a clinical engineering team and complete college-level courses, the cost of which are all covered by TRIMEDX.
“That played in [to my decision] quite a bit,” says Tyler, “That sounds a lot better. I wouldn’t have to travel everywhere. More time at home and [it costs] less money.”
Tyler is based at a hospital in his home state of Montana. He’s learning from experienced BMETs and other professionals in the HTM field. He says he enjoys the opportunity to learn about many different devices & equipment and a variety of specialties within the industry.
“So far, I love it,” says Tyler. “Helping people, seeing different things … it makes me think in a different way than what I’m used to. There’s always something new.”
When he finishes the program in 2025, Tyler will be eligible for a BMET position. He says the apprenticeship program gave him an entry point into a lasting career.
“I just want to continue to work here at this hospital and be a part of TRIMEDX, grow within this company and see where it takes me … and do this for the remaining of my working years,” says Tyler.
A great recruitment tool amid a BMET shortage
TRIMEDX is investing in the next generation of BMETs through the apprenticeship program. There is a huge need for BMETs across the country, and managers say the apprenticeship program is a great recruiting tool.
“The apprentice program has been very beneficial to our site. In the past we have had difficulty recruiting. This program allowed us to reach out to community members wanting to make a career change, but not having a path to do so. Finding local talent helps with retention in the long run so it’s a win-win,” said Jody, Tyler’s site manager.
TRIMEDX started the program in 2022 with four apprentices, and that group is now getting ready to complete the program and take their final certification exams.
A third class of apprentices starts in the fall of 2024, with seven apprentices. Courtney, workforce strategy director, says TRIMEDX chose to expand the program this year because of its success in its first two years. The company has worked to strengthen the program throughout the first two years to include more structured learning plans, career exploration resources, and to build a community for the apprentices to shares their experience and learn from one another.
“We’d love to continue to expand the program, because it’s such an excellent experience and opportunity. We go above and beyond to make sure each apprentice’s experience is personalized and intentional producing the best outcome for apprentice and TRIMEDX alike,” says Courtney.
The on-the-job training and courses are well rounded, providing a diverse program so graduates have the education and experience they need to advance their careers.
Tyler encourages anyone who is looking for a stable career with opportunities for growth to consider the BMET Apprenticeship program sponsored by TRIMEDX.
“There are a lot of people who just don’t even know about this career. They don’t understand the behind the scenes of everything that goes on in the hospital. Honestly, I didn’t really know much about it until I started talking to my manager,” says Tyler. “There’s a high demand in this field right now.”
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