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Our people are the foundation behind every outcome, interaction, and experience we create. In healthcare environments, consistency matters. The way a department runs, how a team works together, and how residents experience daily life all come back to the people delivering that work. At Healthcare Services Group (HCSG), that understanding has shaped how career development programs are built, focused not just on training, but on preparing individuals to lead with confidence and perspective.
A Long-Term Approach to Development
For team members interested in building a career in healthcare services, the Leadership Empowerment Apprenticeship Program (LEAP) offers a structured, long-term path.
LEAP is a 48-week, Department of Labor-recognized apprenticeship created for frontline employees and assistant managers seeking to deepen their skills and assume greater responsibility. The program blends hands-on experience with mentorship, enabling participants to apply their learning in real-world environments.
A key aspect of LEAP is exposure to multiple roles. Participants rotate through various positions within environmental (EVS) or dining services, gaining a clearer understanding of how each role contributes to overall operations and the customer experience.
That perspective is intentional. As People Development Director Rommel Biscocho explained, “ the foundational training starts with experience in all front-line positions followed by management and software training. Team members gain an understanding of our clients and residents and are better prepared for leadership roles after graduation.” That broader sense of responsibility often shapes how participants approach leadership moving forward.
Building Skills Through Experience
While LEAP focuses on long-term development, the Manager-in-Training (MIT) program offers a more direct route into leadership roles.
The MIT program equips new hires and current team members with the foundational experience needed to manage EVS or dining departments. Through a structured, hands-on approach, participants develop operational expertise and the administrative skills needed to lead a team.
The program is divided into focused tracks:
• EVS (12 weeks): Housekeeping, laundry, floor care, and department oversight
• Dining (16 weeks): Culinary execution, dietary support, food certifications, and department administration
By the end of the program, participants possess a practical understanding of both daily responsibilities and the expectations of department leadership.
The Role of Mentorship and Support
Behind both programs is a network designed to support development at each stage.
LEAP participants are partnered with Training Center Account Managers (TCAMs) , leaders who continue to grow in their own roles and provide practical, experience-based guidance. On top of TCAMs, People Development Managers (PDMs) focus on coaching, structuring the program, and long-term progression.
Many of these leaders have advanced through similar paths themselves, which shapes how they approach development. Senior PDM Nick Ryback is one example. Having started as a Manager-in-Training and progressed through multiple operational roles, he now supports others on a similar path. He shared, “Being in my current position has been amazing, not only seeing my team grow, but also watching teams across the organization flourish. Supporting a Dietary Tech, Housekeeper, or Cook and giving them the tools to launch their career is what keeps me motivated.”
That kind of perspective brings a level of practicality to development, connecting training to real career progression.
Adapting to a Changing Industry
As the healthcare landscape evolves, expectations for services teams evolve as well. HCSG’s training programs are regularly updated to reflect industry changes through curriculum adjustments, new learning formats, and expanded opportunities for collaboration. Recent additions like virtual learning sessions and group discussions have improved engagement and skill retention.
As Rommel noted, “ The retention of skills is a huge win, but the retention of our people is even better. Our Operations and Development teams provide excellent engagement throughout the program, including continued mentorship post-graduation. As HCSG continues to grow, our graduates have many opportunities to explore the next step in their career with us.”
A Path That Builds Over Time
Career growth in healthcare services doesn’t typically happen all at once. It builds through experience, exposure, and the ability to take on greater responsibility. Programs like LEAP and MIT are structured to support this progression, offering various entry points based on career stage and providing the support needed to advance. For those wanting to grow their career and explore opportunities in the field, visit hcsg.careers .