From left, Maegan Friess and Zena Alwaily gain exposure to CNC’s Dental Hygiene program. Both are grade 11 students at College Heights Secondary School – photos 250News

Prince George, B.C. – About 25 grade 11 and 12 students are giving their futures some serious thought at the College of New Caledonia today.

The interactive exercise is giving them an in-depth look at a variety of programs including Medical Radiography Technology, Medical Lab Tech, Nursing, Licensed Practical Nursing, Dental Assisting, Dental Hygiene and the Health Care Assistant Program.

“What they’re trying to do here is figure out what they’re going to do after high school,” said Bruce Northrop, career coordinator with School District 57. “So, what we’ve asked the college to do is not only highlight their programs but do some hands-on activities. Kids find it quite interesting.”

So, why highlight health sciences?

“In my work, I do informal surveys and sometimes up to a third of the classes are interested in going into something related to health care. That’s why we started doing this.”

Naledi Mphafi – a grade 12 student at Duchess Park Secondary – gets some hands-on training in the dental lab

One of those students interested in health sciences is Naledi Mphafi, a grade 12-student at Duchess Park Secondary School.

“I’ve already registered in the Nursing Program and I’m hoping today will help me and give me an idea of what’s to come.”

And though it was just 10 days ago, that CNC’s Board of Governors decided to suspend the 2017 intake into the College’s Nursing Unit Assistant program (see previous story here), CNC president Henry Reiser insists the school is still a great destination for young adults.

“All of our programs have a strong relationship with industry. As industry changes, so do we. CNC is responsive to what is happening in workplaces through North Central BC and beyond,” he said in a statement.

“Being responsive means occasionally programs may need to be restructured as was the case with Dental Hygiene. It is being relaunched this fall as was promised.

“In the case of the Nursing Unit Assistant course, it was our industry partners who suggested that this program needed to be updated. We are growing our programming offerings as we move forward.”