The Peru Gazette

Opportunities available for college-bound students and those planning to enter workforce

PLATTSBURGH, NY (10/17/2024) – Peru High School students Madison Nephew and Reese Mason were fairly certain about the careers they’d be pursuing after graduation. Still, the University of Vermont Health Network’s (UVHN) recent Career Fair opened their eyes to the wide array of health care opportunities; for now, they’re reconsidering their options.

 “I had my mind set on anesthesiology. But coming here made me re-think that I might want to switch now because of the cool things I learned about here,” Mason said. The Lab and Labor and Delivery have peaked the high school junior’s interest.  “I didn’t realize those were jobs you can choose, so hearing about them and learning about them made me interested.”  Nephew came to the Career Fair focused on learning more about a career as a labor and delivery nurse but, she said, “The Laboratory also really caught my eye, so I’m thinking about that now.”

Nephew and Mason were two of a few hundred regional high school students who attended the Career Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at Plattsburgh State University and engaged with healthcare professionals across the Network.

“Our goal is to expose high school students to all the opportunities in health care – from nursing and other clinical roles to careers many don’t think about, like nutrition, environmental services, engineering, IT, and clerical roles such as patient registration or patient accounting. These are just a few of the many career options available in our industry.  We believe this exposure will inspire students to explore the full spectrum of healthcare careers and help them make informed decisions about their future paths. Whether they plan to attend college after graduation or enter the workforce, we have options for everyone,” Network Manager of Talent Acquisition Katrina Stone explained.

Alice Hyde and CVPH President Michelle LeBeau said, “By sharing our passion for our work, we can encourage others to join us. This career fair showcased health care as a rewarding career—one that provides endless opportunities for professional growth while making a difference in our communities.”

Career fairs are part of the health system’s ongoing commitment to addressing the national chronic healthcare workforce shortage on a local level, fostering robust career opportunities for people in the region, and ensuring partner hospitals can continue to deliver care to their communities. The Network is also using a number of strategic initiatives, like the Workforce Development’s Career Pathways program, to attract and retain healthcare workers. Career Pathways offers job seekers and current employees the opportunity to gain the skills and education needed to establish rewarding careers in the industry or grow professionally. In some cases, pathway participants can work while receiving training and financial assistance.

Go to uvmhealthnetworkcareers.org for a complete list of available positions and information about the Workforce Development Program and Career Pathways.