In a remarkable experience that blended education, exploration, and inspiration, participants of the WIOA In-School Youth (ISY) program, Ingrid, Jasmine, Marlenne, & Aleisha, had the unique opportunity to explore diverse career pathways in the healthcare industry. This employer tour, co-hosted by the Educational Opportunity Centers of PA, provided participants with a first-hand look at some of the region’s most impactful healthcare organizations and professions.
The day began with a visit to Cetronia Ambulance Corps, where students were introduced to careers as EMTs and paramedics. They learned about the vital role these professionals play in saving lives and how their work can be a stepping-stone to advanced medical degrees as nurses or doctors. The students were particularly excited to engage in demonstrations of ambulance equipment, gaining a deeper understanding of emergency response protocols and hands-on skills used in the field.
Next, the group visited the American Red Cross, where they discovered the history of this storied organization and its humanitarian mission. Students were captivated by the testimony of staff who shared their experiences assisting with disaster relief efforts, including recent responses to Hurricane Milton in Florida. They also learned about the crucial services provided locally, such as support for home fire victims and organizing life-saving blood drives.
The final stop of the day was at the Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) Rehabilitation Services facility on Cetronia Road. Here, students observed professionals like Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants in action, actively providing rehabilitation services to patients. Staff shared inspiring stories about their career journeys and the various educational pathways available to enter the field of rehabilitation therapy.
Throughout the tour, all three employers emphasized the importance of continued exploration and practical experience. They offered students invaluable advice on how to engage in the healthcare industry through enriched volunteer opportunities, such as ambulance ride-alongs and job-shadowing programs.
This immersive experience left a lasting impression on the students. Not only did it open their eyes to the vast array of career options in healthcare, but it also equipped them with actionable steps to begin their journeys. By connecting directly with industry professionals and witnessing their impactful work, the students felt inspired and empowered to envision their futures in healthcare.
This tour exemplifies the value of integrating real-world experiences into youth programming, providing participants with meaningful opportunities to explore their interests and pursue their passions in high-demand industries. As these students continue their educational journeys, they carry with them a clearer vision of their potential and the tools to achieve success.
Mark your calendars to find out more about our PA CareerLink® Services! Visit the job huts during PA CareerLink® Awareness Days from August 25 to September 15 to see how we help you with resumes, career coaching, learning about local hiring opportunities, and available career training options. Find our job huts in Easton on August 25, Bethlehem on September 8, and Allentown on September 15.
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Auxiliary Aids and Services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities/Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Programs at PA CareerLink® Lehigh Valley are funded in whole or in part by federal funds. Detailed information can be found at www.lvwib.org/stevens-amendment. Equal Opportunity Officer: EqualOpportunity@careerlinklv.org or 610-841-8332 TTY Line 610-437-0741. More information on adaptive equipment and Equal Opportunity resources can be found at www.lvwib.org/equal-opportunity-and-adaptive-equipment. ... See MoreSee Less
Looking to boost your team's skills? SkillUP™ Lehigh Valley offers free training and employee assessment screenings! With over 6,000 courses and 130 certifications, we help companies like yours create custom course clusters to develop your workforce. Learn more: lvwib.org/training-service-providers/skillup/
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Auxiliary Aids and Services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities/Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Programs at PA CareerLink® Lehigh Valley are funded in whole or in part by federal funds. Detailed information can be found at www.lvwib.org/stevens-amendment. Equal Opportunity Officer: EqualOpportunity@careerlinklv.org or 610-841-8332 TTY Line 610-437-0741. More information on adaptive equipment and Equal Opportunity resources can be found at www.lvwib.org/equal-opportunity-and-adaptive-equipment. ... See MoreSee Less
🚀 Youth Spotlight: J’Livette’s Journey of Workforce Success! 🌟
Meet J’Livette, a recent high school graduate with big dreams of becoming a psychologist. Through the WIOA In-School Youth program, offered by the Lehigh Valley Workforce Development Board in partnership with PA CareerLink®, she gained real-world experience, career-readiness skills, and the confidence to succeed.
After completing employability training and a paid work experience at the Allentown Public Library, J’Livette landed a retail job and is preparing to start her next chapter at Moravian University this fall! 🎓💼
Her journey is just one example of how workforce programs empower local youth to grow, lead, and achieve. 💪 ... See MoreSee Less