The Education Department of the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center is introducing an exciting program. The implementation of this program focuses on the organization’s continued commitment to uphold our guiding principles that includes valuing our staff and supporting our staff in work force development. This initiative provides employees an opportunity to develop skills in the healthcare field. The program is geared towards frontline employees that are interested in learning how to develop and identify areas of interest within healthcare. The ideal student is someone who may have been away from formal learning for some time and wishes to go back to school to get his/her GED or to enter college in a health care profession.School at Work (SAW) is a workforce development system that brings education directly to the work site. The program is a six-month curriculum. The focus of the program is to:
• Allow our employees to learn during normal working hours
• Learn skills necessary to explore other career opportunities in healthcare
• Experience the joy of learning with co-workers
• Provide opportunities for employees to challenge themselves
• Enhance computer skills for employees who might otherwise not have the opportunity
Components of the classes include:
• DVD format using interactive technology
• On-line coursework
• Curriculum which includes reading, writing, math, grammar, communication, life management skills, medical terminology and career development developed by Catalyst Learning.
• On-site coach during sessions
• A career advisor to help students on their career path
We are extremely hopeful that the excitement surrounding this program will continue to grow here at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center. Our first class will be limited to ten students and is scheduled to begin in November 2011 and run to May 2012. Each week, students will be allowed two hours away from their work to attend class and an additional two hours study time.
