Northern Health hosts three-day program for prospective healthcare workers

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Northern Health is aiming to improve recruitment with a three-day program for students.

Northern Health has offered ‘Adventures in Healthcare: Peace region program’ in partnership with Rotary Fort St. John for the past three years in hopes of providing more information and opportunities to high school students considered careers in health care.

From April 14th to 16th 2026, 36 high school students from the Peace River region participated in the ‘Adventures in Health care 2026: Peace Region program’ hosted by Rotary Fort St. John in partnership with Northern Health, Northern Lights College and the University of Northern British Columbia and School Districts 59 and 60. 

Byron Stewart, recruitment and retention ambassador for Northern Health in northeast B.C., said the program is an important step in reducing staffing shortages in the region. 

“We are encouraging youth as much as possible to learn about healthcare experience opportunities [and] to look at healthcare as a career,” said Stewart. 

“It’s important for us in the northeast, as we are shorthanded in many different roles. This is long-term future planning that will hopefully solve some of the issues that we currently have.”

According to Stewart, the program has welcomed around 100 students in the three years it has been operating in the Northeast. 

“The enthusiasm of all the students has been very high,” said Stewart. “These are very bright young people who have bright futures ahead of them, whether they’re in healthcare or choose another path. We want to continue using this program and expanding this program for the benefit of all our communities.”

Stewart said the program started approximately 10 years ago in Prince George as a Rotary initiative. 

Day one took place on April 14th at the University of Northern British Columbia and Northern Lights College Fort St. John campus, day two on April 15th  included a tour of 11 departments at Fort St. John hospital, day three was on April 16th at Northern Lights College in Dawson Creek, where students will take part in care aide and license practical nursing activities. 

According to Stewart, the program is only eligible for Grade ten students in the north and south Peace River region. 

Those who wish to attend future ‘Adventure in Health care’ programs must qualify through their respective school district. 
More information about the program can be found on the Adventures In Health care website.