August 21, 2025
High School student Kaylee Williams attended the Healthcare Career Exploration Camp in Edmonton in 2024 and spent this summer working as an intern with a lab at the Vermilion Hospital. She says the experience has inspired her to pursue a career as a combined laboratory and X-ray technologist. Supplied.
Story by Tara Ursulescu & Cassie Ford
VERMILION — Last summer, Kaylee Williams, a high school student from Vermilion, attended an Alberta Health Service (AHS) Healthcare Career Exploration Camp in Edmonton.
Every year, AHS hosts camps around the province to inspire and educate secondary school students interested in healthcare careers. Students gain hands-on experience, explore various procedures and learn from professionals in the field.
“We learned about different roles and even did a triage escape room simulation,” says Williams. “It really gave me a taste of what healthcare professionals do every day.”
Now entering Grade 12 at St. Jerome’s School, Williams adds she’s passionate about becoming a combined laboratory and X-ray technologist (CLXT). She says the camp has helped with her career aspirations.
“I got to see how hospital cleaning and lab tests are done, which was super interesting. It definitely piqued my interest in the field.”
This summer, Williams took her passion a step further through AHS’ High School Student Work Experience Partnership with CAREERS — a nonprofit foundation that connects students with organizations for paid internships.
Working in a Vermilion Hospital lab, Williams shadowed lab assistants, restocking collection carts, changing ECG charts and cleaning equipment used in tests and X-ray procedures.
Williams highlights how both programs have helped shape her career outlook.
“I’m seeing what the role involves firsthand, and I think I would really enjoy working as a CLXT,” she says. “I was considering nursing, but now realize I love working in the lab. I’m really loving this summer position and have learned so much.”
Sarah McDonald, a senior advisor with AHS’ Student Engagement & Youth Career Development team, says both the Career Exploration Camps and the Work Experience Partnership provide students with invaluable knowledge and understanding of the healthcare industry.
"Programs like this help build and shape the next generation of healthcare workers,” she says. “We aim to provide a supportive, collaborative learning environment so our youth can discover a wide variety of careers within healthcare and understand what it’s like to actually do those jobs.”
Having the unique experience of participating in both programs, Williams recommends other youth take advantage of these opportunities.
“If you’re interested in healthcare at all, it’s a great way to see the many roles out there. You’ll discover what fits you best.”
