SMH: Career Pathways

According to Sheridan College (SC), in 2023, Whitney Benefits set out to gauge interest across Sheridan and Johnson County stakeholders in a coordinated approach to career pathway design that would better align educational opportunities across elementary, secondary, and post-secondary education institutions and better meet the workforce preparation needs of students and employers.

Whitney Benefits took nearly two years and the participation of all four K-12 school district superintendents, SC President Walt Tribley, representatives from business and industry, and other stakeholders to develop an intentional design of sequenced opportunities for students. Those opportunities include traditional academic courses, career and technical education, work-based learning and other experiences that require ongoing contributions from participating partners and stakeholders.

Led by Whitney Benefits and in partnership with Sheridan Memorial Hospital, Sheridan College and other local industry organizations, these partners have worked to expand these career pathways and workforce development opportunities in healthcare and other industries across Sheridan and Johnson counties. 

While appearing on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse, Sheridan Memorial Hospital Director of Support Services and  Northern Wyoming Career Pathways Partnership Health Science Sector Representative Erin Oetken, said she was proud of those local healthcare workers who stayed within their profession during the COVID-19 pandemic. Presenting challenges that were unprecedented, the pandemic also changed how people apply for jobs and how hiring is done in many industries. 

E. Oetken  

The healthcare industry is only one part of the Northwestern Wyoming Community Pathways Program, Brenda Weatherby sits on the board of governors as the Manufacturing Sector Representative. The Pathways Program was designed to better connect students, educators and employers through coordinated career training and work-based learning opportunities. Through the use of the YouScience test, students can discover career fields that they are not only interested in but have an aptitude to advance. 

E. Oetken  

Oetken said the program helps align education with workforce needs by creating structured pathways that include internships, technical education, job shadowing and other hands-on experiences intended to prepare students for future careers in healthcare and other industries.

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