The hallways at Okanagan College’s Vernon campus buzzed with excitement last week as more than 35 local high school students got hands-on experience in health care careers. The College’s “Discovering Health Care” workshop series, designed to address critical staffing shortages across British Columbia’s health sector, gave these students a taste of what working in medicine might actually feel like.
I watched as Grade 11 student Mia Collins carefully practiced taking vital signs on a training mannequin. “I’ve always thought about nursing, but wasn’t sure if it was right for me,” she told me, adjusting the blood pressure cuff. “Getting to try these skills makes it feel more real than just reading about it in a brochure.”
The day-long workshops, held February 15-16, exposed students to potential careers ranging from practical nursing to dental assisting. What made this program stand out was its emphasis on practical experience over simple career talks.
“We’re facing unprecedented shortages across health care right now,” explained Dr. Helen Marrero, Dean of Health Sciences at Okanagan College. “These students represent our future workforce, and we need to show them early what these careers actually involve.”
Recent statistics from the BC Ministry of Health reveal concerning trends. The province projects needing 26,000 additional health care workers by 2031, with the Interior Health region particularly affected by retirements and population growth. Vernon’s aging demographic makes this challenge especially acute locally.
Workshop coordinator Jake Thompson believes catching students’ interest early is key. “When I was in high school, nobody showed me what these careers actually involved. We’re giving them the chance to try real clinical skills before they make decisions about their future.”
Thompson paused our conversation to help a student properly position a stethoscope. This hands-on approach clearly resonated with the teens.
The initiative represents a collaborative effort between School District 22 and Okanagan College, funded partially through provincial workforce development grants. Career counselor Rita Sharma from Vernon Secondary School has seen immediate benefits.
“Several students who were uncertain about their path have already asked about prerequisites for health programs,” Sharma noted. “Seeing them engaged with real equipment, asking questions about patient care – it’s exactly what we hoped would happen.”
For Grade 12 student Jacob Williams, the experience confirmed his interest in becoming a paramedic. “The emergency simulation was intense – having to assess priorities and communicate clearly under pressure. It feels like something I’d be good at.”
The workshops also introduced students to lesser-known health careers. Dental assisting, medical laboratory technology, and healthcare administration were all presented as viable options requiring different skills and education paths.
Parent volunteer Mei Chen, who works as a registered nurse at Vernon Jubilee Hospital, emphasized the program’s timing. “We’re seeing burnout among healthcare workers, and many are retiring early. These students bring fresh energy and new perspectives we desperately need.”
According to Interior Health’s 2022 workforce report, rural communities like Vernon face particular challenges attracting specialized healthcare workers. Local training programs that create pathways for area students could help address these gaps.
The workshops also tackled misconceptions about healthcare careers. “Many students believe they need top marks in every science class or years of expensive university,” explained Thompson. “We showed them multiple entry points, including certificates and diplomas that can be completed right here in Vernon.”
This practical approach appears to be working. A follow-up survey showed 78% of participating students indicated increased interest in healthcare careers after the workshops.
School District 22 Superintendent Dr. Christine Robinson sees the program as part of a broader strategy. “Creating early connections between education and career pathways benefits everyone – students discover meaningful work, and our community gains skilled professionals who understand local needs.”
The College plans to expand the program next year, potentially including community pharmacist training and mental health support roles. Both sectors face critical staffing challenges across the Okanagan.
For students like Mia Collins, the experience has already made an impact. “I’m definitely going to volunteer at the hospital this summer. Maybe one day I’ll be back here studying nursing for real.”
As I watched these students engage with complex medical concepts, their enthusiasm was contagious. In a healthcare system often described as being in crisis, these workshops offered something increasingly rare: hope for the future workforce.
The College plans to track participants over time to measure the program’s effectiveness in channeling students toward health careers. With continued funding and expanded opportunities, this initiative could serve as a model for addressing healthcare staffing challenges throughout British Columbia’s Interior region.
