COMMITTEES
The HILT currently has two active committees including the Talent Pipeline & Recruitment and the Behavioral Health Skills Workgroup. The HILT meets quarterly, and these committees meet and have activities in between. In addition to these committees, HILT is actively convening conversations to identify best practices related to hosting internships, occupation shortage including nursing, medical assistants, as well as dental assistants/hygienists, and other topics of shared interest.
Talent Pipeline & Recruitment
The Talent Pipeline Committee is currently working on a “Student Experience Package” to address the needs of students as the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the nature of education and learning. The intent is to reach students and anyone interested in a healthcare career, regardless of their place on the continuum of learning; exploring healthcare as a career? already pursuing a degree or credential? already practicing? HILT wants to provide you with the tools necessary to make an informed decision on your career journey.
Below are highlights from the two events that HILT has held for K-12 and post-secondary students interested in healthcare occupations. the Talent Pipeline Committee is committed to annual healthcare exploration events. If you are a partner in the region who wants to help connect students with healthcare career exploration opportunities or you are a healthcare industry leader who wants to share your experience in education and on-the-job with students, please reach out to the HILT Convening Team.
Learn more about the Student Experience Package here.
PAST EVENTS
APRIL 2021
Charting Real Options in a Virtual World
Sound Careers in Healthcare was a week-long, virtual event, of healthcare career exploration opportunities for 9-12th graders in Pierce and King Counties, with particular emphasis on BIPOC, first-generation, and/or low-income students.
Event programming included live and interactive presentations, as well as pre-recorded material, in collaboration with healthcare employers, educators, and community-based organizations.
Each weekday included a particular focus:
Day 1: Welcome and kick-off
Healthcare providers of color presented on healthcare practice through an anti-racist lens, a personal journey overcoming barriers in the path to success.
Day 2: Student & Employer Panel
A panel of students and employers provided unique perspectives related to personal journeys into healthcare education and careers.
Day 3: Healthcare partner presentations
Students had 23 presentations options to participate with employers in interactive, hands-on demonstrations highlighting certain healthcare careers.
Day 4: Healthcare educator presentations
Over 20 college educators presented on a variety of different disciplines.
Day 5: Next steps and College Fair
Students heard perspectives and tangible steps to start pursuing career pathways and aspirations. This event was followed by a College Fair.
Other highlights:
School districts were instrumental in marketing and promoting the program to students. Career and Technical Educators in the Tacoma area were provided access via the Tacoma STEAM Network, an organization focused on improving the skills gap for STEM fields, and improving graduation rates for Tacoma Public Schools, particularly for students of color and those living in poverty. Additionally, costs were covered through industry and support partner sponsorship, grants, and foundation supports. Through financial contributions from several partners, Sound Careers in Healthcare offered numerous incentive prizes for participation to students.
In summary, Sound Careers in Healthcare Week served over 450 students and over 50 healthcare education representatives participated in the event. Such high participation reveals healthcare remains a top industry of interest for students and the healthcare industry’s strong commitment to improving equity and access to healthcare career exploration and serving all students in our communities.
OCTOBER 2019
CHART YOUR PATH TO A HEALTHCARE CAREER
A snapshot of the October 16th event!
The Talent Pipeline Committee’s commitment to serving students from the Puget Sound region, especially those who might not have the opportunity to see themselves in healthcare careers was officially launched at the October 2019 “Chart Your Path to a Healthcare Career” event. 450 students and their teachers toured ten Occupation Stations, a Nursing Student Focus group, a dozen education info desks and over 20 healthcare provider/employer booths. Here is a WA STEM blog post for more info: https://washingtonstem.org/charting-your-path-to-a-healthcare-career-over-450-students-connect-to-healthcare-and-stem/.