With employers in some sectors again facing workforce shortages and many graduating seniors searching for jobs, the Consortium is piloting approaches to bring them together.
Most recently, we worked with UPMC and UPMC Insurance Services to present a two-part webinar on healthcare careers for more than 30 interested students from a dozen high schools.
Like many employers, both the healthcare system and its insurance affiliate have lots of unfilled entry-level positions that require no more than a high school diploma and minimal work experience.
The webinars gave overviews both the kinds of opportunities available as well as the ins-and-outs of applying, including what to cover in a resume.
At the moment, UPMC and its insurance plan have about 6,000 openings, including full-time, part-time, and temporary positions. Opportunities range from assisting patients, to office and support jobs.
For students seeking full-time jobs, UPMC offers good starting wages, benefits, and opportunities for advancement. Students looking for opportunities to work while pursuing degrees or training in any of the region’s post-secondary institutions, also can find part-time and temporary jobs with UPMC.
“Ninety-eight percent of our jobs come with career paths,” UPMC Insurance Services’ Director of Human Resources, Amanda Bothwell, told students. Employees can progress through different levels, ranging up to leadership, within a specific role, and also can move into other areas by transferring between departments or divisions, she added.
Additionally, UPMC employees seeking further education or certifications may qualify for tuition assistance.
“These are perfect opportunities for students who either don’t want to pursue degrees or want to work for a while before they do,” said the Consortium’s Chief Organization Officer Jackie Foor. “The Consortium is always seeking new ways to connect students with employers who not only can offer them jobs, but who can help them continue to grow.”
