CAMBRIAN COLLEGE
Cambrian College Hosts Health Care Career Connections Event

Inspired by the need to produce more health care workers in northeastern Ontario, Cambrian once again hosted Health Care Career Connections, this week, at its main campus in Sudbury.

It is the second time Cambrian has staged the event.

"We were very excited to host the event again this year, and it will be an annual event for the college," says Rachel Steels, Cambrian's Dean of the School of Health and Wellness. "Health Care Career Connections is an invaluable opportunity for health care students to learn about the vibrant and naturally beautiful communities of Northern Ontario and it is a fun way for employers and partners to showcase the unique opportunities available in our region."

More than 150 high school students from Sudbury were on campus to learn about the health and wellness programs offered by Cambrian, and to tour various health sciences classrooms and labs.

Current health sciences students at Cambrian had the opportunity to meet with 16 health care providers across northeastern Ontario to network and learn about career opportunities.

"It was great to be part of the second annual Health Care Career Connections conference," says
Tim Vine, President and CEO of North Shore Health Network in Blind River, between Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie. "It is so important for employers to connect and build relationships with the next generation of health care professionals. We had some amazing conversations with young people about to start their post-secondary journey and those looking to start their professional lives. We will be back next year!"

Also attending this year's Health Care Career Connections event was Nancy Girard, Laboratory and Pharmacy Manager at Timmins and District Hospital, and a graduate of Cambrian's Medical Laboratory Technology Program.

"The health care connections conference is a great initiative to help high school students learn about the many career opportunities offered in health care," adds Girard. "Both secondary and post secondary students were very engaged, with conversations surrounding career aspirations, placement opportunities, and permanent positions. This is a great networking opportunity for both the students and the health care organizations."

The goal of Health Care Career Connections is to inspire high school students to consider careers in the health sector and how they can pursue those careers through a college education. The event also allows current Cambrian students to get a sense of what is available when they graduate.

"We want future students to see the opportunities that will be waiting for them in health care, and for our current students and employers, it is a great way for them to connect, which could lead to employment for the students once they graduate," adds Janice Clarke, Cambrian's Vice-President Academic. "It is one way we are trying to help close the labour gap in northeastern Ontario when it comes to health care professionals."

Cambrian College offers more than 20 health sciences and emergency services programs, including new programs such as our Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree, Practical Nursing to Registered Nursing Bridge, Personal Support Worker (PSW) to Practical Nursing Pathway, and Medical Laboratory Assistant.

For more details, visit cambriancollege.ca/programs.