The Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance, through nomination by the Foundation for Education, was recently recognized by the Province of Ontario for helping students gain hands-on learning opportunities for their future careers. The healthcare alliance received an Employer Champion Award for providing high school students with valuable work experience for 10 years through co-op, job shadowing and mentoring. Students get a chance to work in 20 departments over a five-week period — from helping in nursing units to participating in fundraising events.“Meaningful learning opportunities, like those provided by the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance, help students gain valuable experience, which will help them reach their future career aspirations. By getting this experience today, our students will be better prepared for the jobs of tomorrow.”
— Laurel Broten, Minister of Education
“We are proud to have exceptional people providing exceptional care excellent care at Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance. It is a privilege to inspire students in our community to pursue a career within the health care sector. In fact, one of our nominators for this award is also a former co-op student who discovered her passion for nursing with us and is now in postsecondary studies to become a nurse.”
— Andrew Williams, CEO, Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance
QUICK FACTS
- 40,000 employers across the province provide high school students with valuable work- related learning opportunities through numerous activities and programs, including Ontario’s Cooperative Education and Specialist High Skills Major programs.
- Approximately 34,000 high school students are enrolled in Specialist High Skills Major programs this year.
- Ontario’s graduation rate increased to 82 per cent in 2010-11, up from 68 per cent in 2003- 04.