Students in the Western School Board will have new opportunities opened up to them thanks to a new cooperative education program provided through the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, the Western School Board and the Prince County Hospital, says Education and Early Childhood Development Minister, Doug Currie.
“This new program will introduce high school students in the Western School Board to the many career possibilities in health care,” said Minister Currie. “When students have the opportunity to experience the workplace while they are still in school, it makes their studies relevant and helps them determine the direction they may pursue in post secondary education.”
“We are extremely pleased to be able to provide a learning environment for these students which will introduce them to our health care system,” said Health and Wellness Minister, Carolyn Bertram. “Hands-on learning will give these students the opportunity to experience what it is like to work in health care and assist them in making future career choices.”
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, in partnership with all three school boards, has increased the focus on career education, especially at the high school level. New career development curriculum and resources, expanded trades and apprenticeship programs, and community partnerships that provide Cooperative Education students with practical experience related to their academic and career interests are all part of the career education initiative.
“This Cooperative Education agreement with the Prince County Hospital is a significant step forward for career education in the Western School Board,” said Minister Currie. “I hope we will see more learning partnerships like this in the future in other health facilities, in other career sectors and in other areas of the province.”
All Cooperative Education placements at the Prince County Hospital will be coordinated through the Career Education Consultant at the Western School Board. Students who are eligible for placement will be required to complete a pre-placement interview by the Prince County Hospital staff. A Personalized Placement Learning Plan developed jointly by the Cooperative Education teacher, the student and the workplace supervisor will clearly establish specific learning goals and workplace expectations.
Career opportunities in health include direct-care occupations such as family physicians and nurses, lab technologists, and medical radiation technologists, as well as health support services occupations in areas such as engineering, information technology, nutrition and culinary services, and maintenance.
Hospital officials will identify what positions they have to offer in early June and early December so that Cooperative Education students and educators will have time to prepare for placement for the upcoming semester.