Approximately 170 local high school students visited Chatham-Kent Health Alliance and St. Clair College for Healthcare Horizons, an immersive day aimed at showcasing career opportunities in the health-care sector.
The event brought together Grade 11 and 12 students for hands-on learning at the Chatham sites, highlighting pathways from secondary school into post-secondary education and careers in health care.
“LKDSB is grateful to have our Health and Wellness SHSM students participate in this day to explore health care career opportunities in their home community,” said Gary Girardi, director of education at the Lambton-Kent District School Board.
Organizers say the initiative is designed to give students a clearer understanding of the steps required to enter the field, from course prerequisites to post-secondary program options.
“Healthcare Horizons is about opening doors – inviting high school students to step beyond the classroom and into the real world of care and discovery,” said Corrin Primeau, chair of the School of Nursing at St. Clair College. “At this event, students aren’t just seeing hospitals and post-secondary pathways – they’re seeing what their futures could look like. By connecting education to meaningful careers, we hope they leave not only informed but inspired.”
Students participated in live demonstrations and interactive stations, while also learning about the logistics of hospital operations and the range of departments required to keep facilities running.
“I initially designed this event to show students that the health care sector holds careers in almost any interest—whether it’s in clinical care, technology, trades, or administration,” said Brandon Boundy, Healthcare Horizons founder and coordinator. “By showing them how many different paths there are to choose from, we hope they see a future for themselves within health care in Chatham-Kent, no matter where their specific talents lie.”
