Classroom presentations are made to all Grade 11 students in the high schools in the region to create awareness regarding the career opportunities in the health industry and to explain the Health Services Summer Internship Program.
Health Services Summer Internship Program
History
The Health Services Career pathway was created by CAREERS: The Next Generation in response to the workforce shortage presently facing the health industry and is endorsed by the council of CEOs and Human Resources leaders. Now, in our tenth year, Alberta Health Services is active in all regions and fund the Health Services Career Pathway.
Purpose
Supports the development of the future healthcare workforce and serves as one strategy to address recruitment and retention of health care workers. It develops:
- Career Awareness
- Employability Skills
- School to Work Opportunities
- A Future Workforce
What is an Internship?
A health internship is a school work experience program, which places high school students with a health provider for a period of 7-8 weeks as an extra set of hands in the facility, while assisting the student in health services career exploration and development of employability skills. Students considering pursuing a career in health have an opportunity to "try out" their anticipated career. It enables students to make sound decisions regarding their future career plans. Internships are a means by which communities "grow their own". A win/win for student and facility!
Benefit to Health Facility
Mentors report a 95% success rate of the interns. Hospital staff stated it increased staff morale and numerous facilities commented that the students contributed to a smooth operation of the facility. Students had an opportunity to gain awareness of careers in health care in order to make informed career choices.
Paid Internship
The individual health facility funds the student internship position at their location. The program is also tied into the curriculum and students receive educational credit from the high school. Alberta Education covers workers' compensation.