July 19, 2024
EDMONTON - High school students in Alberta are getting an opportunity to gain paid healthcare work experience this summer.
The initiative — a partnership between Alberta Health Services (AHS) and industry-led nonprofit foundation CAREERS — is providing hands-on experience to 33 youths across the province to help foster successful future careers. These students have the opportunity to interact with healthcare professionals and gain invaluable insight into healthcare settings.
The students will be AHS employees and receive site- and position-based training and orientation.
"Investing in young people is how we create our future workforce," says Athana Mentzelopoulos, President and CEO of AHS. "The students get an insider's look at how healthcare works, which is such a unique and authentic experience."
Students will take on roles in departments including pharmacy services, laboratory services and recreation therapy, where they will perform general support duties. In the case of recreation therapy, they will assist with activities such as bus trips, games, arts and crafts, pet visits and gardening.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.
