Energetic Learning Campus students attend annual Career Fair

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Adam Stephens, Danielle Hennessey and Charlotte Tjepkema represented Northern Health at one of three of its tables at the ELC Career Fair. (Byron Stewart, submitted)

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Students at the Energetic Learning Campus (ELC) got a hands-on look at future career possibilities this week, including several paths in healthcare.

Grade 10 students at the campus attended the school’s annual Career Fair on Tuesday, October 21st, held at the Fort St. John Curling Club rink.

The event brought together 22 organizations for a day of hands-on learning and conversations with professionals across multiple industries. Roughly 200 students attended.

Among the participants was Northern Health, which hosted three interactive tables highlighting different healthcare professions.

One table included mental health and addiction clinicians Adam Stephens and Danielle Hennessey, along with licensed practical nurse Charlotte Tjepkema.

Another table featured medical radiography technologists Jordynn McPherson and Carmen Foster, who shared insights from their work at the Fort St. John Hospital.

Also in attendance at the third table was local nurse practitioner Dr. Raelene Marceau.

Jordynn McPherson and Carmen Foster represented Northern Health at another of its tables. (Byron Stewart, submitted)

The health professionals rotated through small group discussions, describing their roles, education paths and what inspired them to enter their fields.

According to Byron Stewart, recruitment and retention ambassador for Northern Health and Fort St. John city councillor, students were particularly curious about wages and what each professional enjoyed most about their work.

Stewart told Energeticcity.ca the event offered students a valuable glimpse into healthcare opportunities close to home.

“Having three tables with very different professions and educational pathways provided the students with a bit of a picture that there are many careers in healthcare,” Stewart said.

“Jordynn and Danielle both grew up here in Fort St. John and could speak directly to students about the choices they made from [secondary school] up to the careers they have now.”

Stewart added that connecting with students early on is an important part of Northern Health’s recruitment and retention efforts.

“They are our future,” he said. “Our team really enjoyed the experience, and hopefully the students gained a little more interest in becoming healthcare workers.”