In 2018 MaineHealth established a team to address the current demands for a highly skilled, well-trained workforce, and to identify and build accessible training and career channels for the workforce of tomorrow. MaineHealth Chief Human Resources Officer Judy West has championed the program as a strategic priority for the organization, stating, “The MaineHealth Center for Workforce Development focuses on education and training opportunities that can provide fulfilling careers in health care; this work is so important for the future of Maine and our entire region.”

In spring 2018 Trina Sayed knew she wanted to gain experience in direct patient care, but with no training or qualifications, wasn’t certain where to begin.

Trina connected with MaineHealth and NorDx, the system’s clinical laboratory, to find out if there were any entry-level opportunities available for someone with little to no clinical experience. She soon learned about a six-week training opportunity held in the early weeks of summer through the NorDx Phlebotomy School, which sounded ideal.

“The training I received through the NorDx Phlebotomy School has given me an incredible opportunity to start my career in health care. Those who successfully complete the program are placed at one of the NorDx sites with openings. I committed to working at Maine Medical Center and was able to immediately apply my new skill set in a patient-centered environment. Working at the Bramhall location, I’m exposed to a fast-paced clinical environment with a diverse patient group, working with doctors, nurses, physician assistants and the extended clinical care team. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in the health care field who may not know where to start.”

When she was not fulfilling her role as a phlebotomist at Maine’s largest hospital, Trina, a University of New England undergraduate student, took advantage of another opportunity made available through the MaineHealth Center for Workforce Development, as a member of the summer internship program working for the NorDx administrative leadership team.

“Both of these programs through MaineHealth have given me a unique entry point to gain insight into the multifaceted entity that is the health care system.”

For more information, visit mainehealth.org/careers/workforce-development.