Beaumont Hospital
Take a Healthcare Skilled Trades tour with Tom Daldin at Beaumont Hospital.
Many people associate skilled trades with low paying or dirty jobs, but many skilled trades jobs have evolved into good-paying, sustainable, high-tech career opportunities. Today, skilled trades are some of the most in-demand jobs in Michigan, with more than 8,300 job openings. That number will continue to grow, with more than 6,700 job openings expected every year through 2022. Learn about a career in the Healthcare industry firsthand by watching interviews with professionals in the industry below.
Healthcare Skilled Trades Q&A
Read below for a quick summary of the most viable information from the video!
Question: How strong is the healthcare industry in Michigan?
Answer: The healthcare industry is one of the fastest growing industries there is. Today, more people have access to healthcare than ever before. The population is also growing and people are living longer due to breakthroughs in science and health. All of these factors play a part in spurring that growth.
Question: Is there a wide array of occupations inside the industry?
Answer: Yes. When people think of healthcare and hospitals, they sometimes only think of nurses and doctors. But there are a vast number of other fields in the health sciences where students can find rewarding and challenging careers. The requirements for these jobs are different as well, from completing certificate or training programs, to earning an associate’s degree or obtaining a more advanced degree.
Question: What types of characteristics or skills does someone need to have a successful career in healthcare?
Answer: We look for the best talent there is so we can provide the best care possible. We want to train and hire people who are not only competent for the work, but people who are very personable and can communicate well. If you’ve ever been in a hospital, then you know patients are very vulnerable so we need people who are caring and have empathy. Those are the skills that make a good healthcare employee.
Question: What is it like working in a hospital or other healthcare facility?
Answer: It can be a very fast pace environment. We have one of the busiest emergency rooms in the country. So it’s important that people can be efficient and work well under those conditions.
Question: What is the benefit of going into a skilled trades career in health sciences?
Answer: There are a lot of opportunities to get right into the career you want and get the training you need. And with the growth in healthcare industry, there is a larger need for people who want to learn. I always encourage people to come in and job shadow. We also have a great volunteering program where people can come in and get their feet wet.
Question: What kind of training or schooling is needed for a career in healthcare?
Answer: There are programs through community colleges and other educational institutions where you can do your prerequisites and then apply to a program where you’re given training and internship opportunities.
Question: What is the most rewarding part of working in healthcare?
Answer: It gives you such a wonderful feeling to help someone who is in need. Every day we get to make a difference in someone’s life. It’s also taught me not to take my body for granted because there are some people who can’t perform simple actions or live independently because of an injury or illness.
Question: What do you enjoy the most about your job in the health sciences?
Answer: I get to meet all types of people, get to know them and see their progression of improvement.
Question: How long did it take you to find the career you want?
Answer: It’s different for everyone, but I think things unfold the way they’re supposed to. Sometimes you’ll have to start over, but when you find something you love, it’s worth it. The best way to find out what you want to do is to ask questions and put yourself out there to get different experiences.
Question: How can I get my foot in the door when it comes to getting a career in the health sciences?
Answer: There are many opportunities to volunteer and while it’s unpaid, the money will come. It’s great to get that first job, but the experience you can get by volunteering and getting people to know your name will really help open those doors for you.
Get more information on skilled trades and healthcare career paths.