Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES was part of the first-of-its-kind event.

The expo allowed students considering a career in healthcare to meet with professionals, employers, and educators through numerous hands-on activities.

“The purpose of today is really for you to explore, for you to get inspired and wanting to do something within the healthcare and human services field,” Christine Schuyler, program director of healthcare initiatives at JCC, told the students.

Schuyler said they were venturing into a career field with “endless opportunities.” Several employers, including The Chautauqua Center, The Resource Center, and UPMC, were on hand to highlight different health-related industries.

Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES recently took part in SUNY Jamestown Community College’s Healthcare Exploration Day. Submitted photo

During the Exploration Fair, E2CCB promoted its Health Career programs. William Smock, director of Adult Education, was joined by Heather Nugent, Health Career Services specialist, and instructors Laura Holmberg and Carole Seekings.

“As a region, we recognize the need to engage our learners at an earlier age to spark interest and help them think about options for careers,” Smock said. “This event is a wonderful hands-on opportunity to see if the healthcare field is for them. With over 350 students in attendance, we were able to give exposure to careers that they may not have known even existed. This fits within our initiative to build a pipeline of local employees that we can retain and be proud of our ‘homegrown’ talent.”

Short-term Adult Education classes are offered for certification as a Personal Care Aide, Home Health Aide, Certified Nursing Assistant, and Phlebotomist. Additionally, the program operates a School of Practical Nursing offering a one-year program, which prepares students to take the New York state board exam to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Health Careers students from the LoGuidice Educational Center also attended Healthcare Exploration Day. The group was joined by instructor Kelly Whitver.