In an effort to build a stronger local health-care workforce in the Peace Region, high school students got a firsthand look at one of the sectors facing the highest demand.
Students from School District 59 and 60 with an interest in the health-care field participated in the Adventures in Health Care program this week.
Adventures in Health Care is designed to introduce students to career pathways accessible in the Peace Region. Students learned directly from health-care staff in a hands-on and interactive environment.
“I learned a lot about different university and college programs and how they work,” one student said.
Students participated in a variety of learning activities. Most said they enjoyed the different workshops and conversations they had with instructors.
Joelle Adams, an instructor at Northern Lights College, said introducing students to real and accessible opportunities is important for recruitment efforts. “We have 34 students here. Imagine all these 34 students entering our health-care system. It would be huge,” Adams said.
Some students recognized the need for more health-care staff in the Peace Region. “I would love to work here. I don’t think we have that many doctors, and it would be cool to live here,” a student said.
The program took place over three days, starting at the University of Northern British Columbia campus in Fort St. John on Tuesday and ending at the Northern Lights College campus in Dawson Creek on Thursday.
A highlight of the week was Wednesday’s tour of Fort St. John Hospital. Students visited several departments and saw staff in action.
“It was really impressive to see how hard they work,” a student said. “I have so much respect for every single health-care professional. It’s so hard, and they inspire,” another added.
The Peace Region continues to struggle to attract medical staff, but initiatives like Adventures in Health Care aim to reverse the trend.
The goal of the program is to inspire the next generation of northern British Columbians to become care providers.
The initiative was put together by the University of Northern British Columbia, Northern Lights College and Northern Health, along with both school districts and the Rotary clubs in Fort St. John and Dawson Creek.
