Monday, July 14, 2008 

(315)  798-5800

Picente: Summer Youth Employment Program
Helps Develop Region’s Future Health Care Workforce

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. today highlighted an effective partnership that is helping Oneida County develop the health care workforce of the future through the Oneida County Summer Youth Employment Program.

The Health Careers Opportunities Program – a collaboration among the Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES School and Business Alliance (SABA) and Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare – provides about 30 students with jobs where they get a first-hand look at the operations of a hospital.

“The students who participate in this program come away learning a tremendous amount in a very short time,” Picente said. “They work in a hospital setting. They learn about the many types of health careers that exist. They learn about the education and training they need for success, and they get paid wages that help them take pride in their summer’s efforts. This is an outstanding program and I really thank the School and Business Alliance, as well as St. Luke’s and Faxton Hospitals , for operating it for the past three years.”

“The purpose of this program has been to show students that within health care, there are dozens of specialties that can fit their interests and talents,” said Howard D. Mettelman, District Superintendent of Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES, which oversees SABA . “These students come into the program, and they learn that health care is a very wide open and diverse field with many interesting, rewarding careers. BOCES, specifically the School and Business Alliance Program, focuses on being the bridge that links students with careers. We proudly enjoy every opportunity to showcase this program because it does a great job inspiring students to go into a career that will provide them with a rewarding future.”

“ SABA ’s program to highlight the opportunities in health care helps every health care provider because it creates a higher level of interest in one of the most demanding, challenging and rewarding careers areas students can consider,” said Alice J. Savino, Executive Director of the Workforce Investment Board. “It is important for the future of our region that we highlight health care careers, because every year we need more and more talented, energetic people to fill these vital jobs. There is also a great, positive impact in our hospitals every summer when the students are working with our staff. The students have so much enthusiasm and energy that it helps the staff, it helps the patients and it gives everyone a lift.”

For the region, the time spent helping students learn about health care careers is an investment in the future. “The only way students know about careers is for us to show them what’s out there, what the work is really like, and to give them the opportunity to become a part of a great health care team – even if only for a few weeks,” Picente said. “ Oneida County is very committed to building the workforce of the future, particularly in health care, because the needs and the growth in this area will only continue to expand.”

In the Health Careers Opportunities Program, students work 20 hours per week for five weeks. The purpose of the program is to make students aware of opportunities in local healthcare facilities and to increase the likelihood that students will pursue a career in healthcare and become a part of our local workforce. Basic skill development will be a major program objective as students will learn and practice basic occupational health skills during the program. The program will also help students develop pre- employment skills that will help them prepare them for future employment. Students will perform actual job functions and will be treated as hospital employees. SABA Career Exploration Specialists will provide basic support and counseling for the students.

 “The young people of Oneida County are a tremendous resource,” said Picente. “Every summer, our Office of Workforce Development helps our youth learn about the world of work, about the teamwork and preparation needed for careers, and continue to improve academically for the tough challenges ahead in this time of rising academic standards. This program is one of our most successful because SABA , Faxton and St. Luke’s support these young people, work with them, answer their questions and give them a great summer experience as well as wages that they have earned through their work.”

“Summer programs help our young people continue their education with a focus on their future as well as academics,” Picente said. “It is vital that students understand the career opportunities this area has for them, and the things that they can do even in high school to put themselves on the road to success. I’m proud of these programs and the great experience they give our youth.”