Emmanuel was a biology professional in his home country of Nigeria, and he wants to re-enter the professional workforce in the healthcare industry in his new home here in Minnesota. He found out about the Individualized Training Pathways (ITP) program through Communities Advancing Prosperity for Immigrants (CAPI), which is helping him achieve success in his career journey.
“In May 2025, I came across CAPI. For me, that became a turning point,” says Emmanuel. “Within a few months, I enrolled in CAPI's Long-Term Care Program, which gave me the opportunity to complete a Nursing Assistant course. Through CAPI's support, I also became certified in Mental Health First Aid, Basic Life Support and Medical Terminology. These were more than certificates to me. They were opportunities to start again. They were stepping stones. They were someone saying, ‘We believe in you, and we are willing to invest in you’, and that investment produced results.”
Thanks to CAPI, Emmanuel is currently enrolled at North Hennepin Community College, building on his previous training and working toward his Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). His expected graduation date is Fall 2028. After he earns his ADN, he will then take an exam to become a Registered Nurse. CAPI is helping him reach his education and employment goals through many supports like college admission and registration process assistance, tuition assistance, basic need assistance while looking for a job, job search assistance including resume prep, interview skills, job application prep, job search platform skills and a health care scrubs uniform for work.
While pursuing his degree he sought employment to provide for himself, his wife, Jessica, his 1-year-old son, Timothy, and his new baby who arrived in late October. CAPI staff helped him learn about how to apply for jobs in the U.S., build a resume, and connect with prospective employers. After countless applications, Emmanuel was hired full-time on June 8, 2026 at M Health Fairview, UMMC, as a Psychiatric Associate.
“Our work with Emmanuel and his family emphasizes the importance of individualized, holistic support that recognizes the full picture of a participant’s circumstances,” says Arre Langer, Advanced Career Counselor at Hired, in the photo at right with Emmanuel and his family. “By helping him navigate employment pathways, identify opportunities for advancement, and address practical barriers that may otherwise delay his progress, we are working toward a future in which Emmanuel can contribute his skills to Minnesota’s healthcare workforce while building long-term financial security for his family.”
ITP helps eligible individuals seeking training in one of four fields: health care, information technology, skilled trades and advanced manufacturing. There are significant worker shortages in several of those fields, particularly in health care occupations. Providers, like CAPI, partner with a post-secondary partner or union apprenticeship and an employer partner to further support participants within the specific industry trainings. Participants typically earn a post-secondary degree, diploma or a certificate to enter the in-demand occupations for which they are training, like Emmanuel is on track to do.
“The training and support I received through CAPI helped me take that important step toward my career goals,” says Emmanuel. “Today, I am proud to say that I am back in school, pursuing the next chapter of my education with CAPI's guidance, resources, and support.”
- Find out more about CAPI
- View no-cost training opportunities for eligible Minnesotans
- Find a CareerForce location near you
