Kent Career Tech Center Students Experience Work-Based Learning and Employment at Trinity Health Grand Rapids
May 14, 2023Kent Career Tech Center Hospitality and Health students experience real-world learning and employment opportunities in new internship and educational experiences through a partnership with Trinity Health Grand Rapids.
During Spring session, eleven Advanced Culinary Arts students in the Tech Center’s Hospitality & Culinary Program participated in a work-based learning paid internship experience with Bryan Nader, Regional Executive Chef, Food & Nutrition Division for Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospitality Services. This School News Network video story captures this program in action. As a result of this experience, five students have been hired full-time at the hospital. Along with this opportunity, Trinity Health Grand Rapids is offering help with tuition for qualified employees who choose to go on with their post-secondary education.
"We’re so proud of our students and are grateful for this partnership with Trinity Health Grand Rapids where they are getting real-world experience while completing high school. It's always rewarding to witness students getting excited to meet professionals in an industry they are passionate about,” said Joe Lienesch, Kent Career Tech Center Principal.
“We know the importance of providing an education, providing resources, and here we have an opportunity to teach our students not only what they’ve learned in class but how that is applied in a business setting,” said Trinity Health Grand Rapids’ Bryan Nader.
This experience is made possible through Kent ISD and Kent Career Tech Center’s commitment to work-based learning and a community partnership with Trinity Health Grand Rapids.
Kent Career Tech Center has 20+ career-focused programs offering college, technical school and high school credit, plus opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications. More than 2,400 students attend both on campus and at 4 satellite locations. It is one of the most advanced tech centers in the Midwest and provides Real Life, Real Learning – in award-winning programs. These range from healthcare and IT, hospitality and criminal justice, to mechatronics, aviation and automotive, sustainable agriscience and the skilled trades.
About Trinity Health Michigan
Trinity Health Michigan is a leading health care provider and one of the state’s largest employers. With more than 24,000 full-time employees serving 29 counties, Trinity Health Michigan operates nine hospitals located in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Howell, Livonia, Muskegon, Pontiac and Shelby, and two medical groups. The health system has 2,314 beds and 5,446 physicians and advanced practice providers. With operating revenues of $4.16 billion, Trinity Health Michigan returns $184 million back to their local communities each year. Together with numerous ambulatory care locations, home health and hospice agencies and 23 senior living communities owned and/or operated by Trinity Health, Trinity Health Michigan provides the full continuum of care for Michigan residents. Trinity Health Michigan is a member of Trinity Health, one of the largest Catholic health care systems in the country serving more than 30 million people across 22 states. www.trinityhealthmichigan.org