More than 130 students explore community and health careers at Nov. 3 summit
Niagara College is promoting the Niagara region as a place to live, study and work to its students in a brand new way this fall.
A new project called Career Insights is helping students to explore education and career paths that meet their goals as well as the needs of the community. Launched by the College’s School of Liberal Studies this fall, it is supported by $185,449 received by the Government of Ontario’s Career Ready Fund, aimed at promoting experiential learning opportunities for students across the province.
Sharyn Porter, project manager and educator in the College’s School of Workforce Development and Community Studies, noted that Career Insights aims to offer students real-world experiences that could assist them with choosing a future program of study in the community and health sectors, which could, in turn, lead them to a rewarding, in-demand, careers in the Niagara region. Currently, the College is directing the project to students in Pre-Health (both university and college streams) and General Arts and Science programs.
“Through Career Insights, we strive to encourage our students to keep their talent and skill sets here in Niagara and to consider careers that serve the community of Niagara, perhaps a career in demand,” she said. “We are also encouraging students to learn about what our community needs most, such as senior services, mental health services, addiction services, community justice programs, and more.”
This fall, 130 students have signed up to participate in research experiences and experiential opportunities through Career Insights.
A key event – a Community and Health Summit – was held on November 3 at the Welland Campus, which drew about 115 students. The summit gave students an opportunity to hear from community guests about careers in the community and health fields in Niagara, as well as NC staff and alumni who shared stories about their education and career paths.
The summit kicked off in the morning with greetings from Welland mayor Frank Campion. Several speakers from the community addressed the students, including president of Leadership Niagara Shane Malcolm (NC alumni and past NCSAC president); Adam Durrant, operations and research manager, Niagara Workplace Planning Board; representatives from the Niagara Health System’s HR Department; and representatives from Region of Niagara Community Services. NC’s simulation lab technician, Alison Ryder, also spoke.
Representatives from the NHS (Tracey-Dawn Giovannone, manager Recruitment and Volunteer Resources, and Carrie Garritsen, recruitment specialist) host a Q and A session at the summit, which which provoked many important questions posed by students in regards to what it takes to become staff at the NHS.
“Right now, there is a great demand for careers in Healthcare and Community Services throughout the Niagara Region. At the Region, we are looking for employees to start their careers in a field that will help some of the most vulnerable residents in the community,” said Lisa Castellan, Community Services HR Consultant for the Niagara Region who presented at the event. “We hope that with the Niagara College Career Insight project, more students will be inspired to pursue a career in Healthcare and Community Services.”
“We’re honoured to work closely with Niagara College through the Career Insights Initiative and reach out to students,” said Tracey Giovannone, manager, Recruitment and Volunteer Services at Niagara Health, who also spoke at the summit. “We’re excited to show Niagara College students the many rewarding and diverse career opportunities that are available in the healthcare sector in Niagara. At Niagara Health, our goal is to create a healthier Niagara for all residents, and that starts with building relationships, creating opportunities for new graduates and empowering our next generation.”
After a networking lunch, students attended informal break out sessions with representatives from the NHS and Region of Niagara Public Health, as an opportunity to ask questions and gather more information about specific careers, credentials needed to pursue specific careers, and volunteer opportunities.
“This Career Insights event, gave NC students, staff and faculty along with guest speakers from throughout the community, an opportunity to network with one another and have fun, while helping our students to plan their education and career paths,” said Porter. “Students were presented with relevant local labour market data and most importantly exposure to experts who actually do the hiring.”
Career Insights will also be offered during the winter term.
Student volunteers gather with Shanyn Porter and project assistant at the Community and Health Summit.
The Career Ready Fund, from Ontario’s Ministry of Colleges and Universities, is part of the Career Kick-Start Strategy, and aims to help publicly assisted colleges and universities, employers and other organizations create experiential learning opportunities for postsecondary students and recent grads. Visit www.tcu.gov.on.ca/pepg/programs/careerreadyfund.html
Related links
Career Ready Fund: www.tcu.gov.on.ca/pepg/programs/careerreadyfund.html
Niagara Health career page: www.niagarahealth.on.ca/site/careers
Niagara Region Community Services: www.niagararegion.ca/government/community-services/default.aspx
