Wednesday forum sets sights on future health care workforce

HOLYOKE — The Healthcare Workforce Partnership of Western Massachusetts will host the Pioneer Valley Healthcare Career Pathways Forum at Holyoke Community College on Wednesday morning.

This regional event is designed to foster collaboration between high school counselors, educators, health care employers, and community organizations to strengthen pathways that prepare students for careers in health care.

The forum will convene over 100 attendees from 15 school districts, including 30 high schools and 45 high school counselors, alongside college representatives and health care employers.

Together, participants will explore innovative strategies to help students pursue health care certificate and degree programs and transition successfully into the workforce. Registration is required.

"The health care industry depends on a well-prepared workforce, and that preparation begins long before college," said Peta-Gaye Johnson, director of health care workforce initiatives. "This event helps us align schools and employers so students can step into high-demand roles that support both their futures and the health of our communities."

The program features short presentations from health care leaders, collaborative table discussions and networking opportunities.

This year's forum will spotlight four high-need health care occupations — medical assisting, respiratory therapy, radiologic technology and surgical technology — based on recent regional workforce gap analysis.

The event will be held at the Kittredge Center's People's Bank Room at HCC at 303 Homestead Ave. from 7:45 to 10 a.m. Registration and breakfast are at 7:45 a.m.

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