FARGO — Essentia Health in Fargo has created a surgical technologist apprenticeship program to address a severe shortage of trained professionals in the Midwest. Amber Huez, surgical services director at Essentia, said the program helps up-skill employees while producing highly qualified professionals locally. She started at Essentia as a sterile processing technician and completed 12 months of on-the-job training and study to reach the operating room. Connors will take her final exam Oct. 20, and she hopes to continue working at Essentia beyond the required two years. Terri Nystrom, director of workforce strategy, said the program also helps the hospital find employees who are the right fit while driving loyalty.