More than 200 students, parents, Pender County Schools Career and Technical Education staff members and Novant Health professionals recently came together at Scotts Hill Medical Center for the Healthcare Career Explorers Program.
Sponsored by Novant Health, the event gave students an opportunity to learn more about the wide range of careers available within the healthcare industry. Students met directly with healthcare professionals from departments throughout Scotts Hill Medical Center, asked questions and gained a firsthand look at the many roles required to operate a healthcare system.
Parents also participated alongside their students, allowing families to explore potential career pathways together and learn more about the education, training and skills connected to different healthcare professions.
“Experiences like this give our students a chance to see careers up close and have conversations with the people doing this work every day,” PCS Career and Technical Education Director Dominique Bates said. “When students can connect what they are learning in school with opportunities right here in our community, it helps them begin to see what their own future could look like.”
The event was coordinated with support from Novant Health leaders Kapica Davis and Julian Williams, along with professionals from across the medical center who shared their experiences and expertise with students.
For PCS CTE, experiences such as the Healthcare Career Explorers Program are an important part of helping students connect classroom learning with real-world career opportunities. Partnerships with local employers and community organizations give students a clearer understanding of the pathways available to them after graduation.
The Healthcare Career Explorers Program is part of the district’s continued focus on preparing students to graduate ready to be Enrolled, Enlisted or Employed.