When Dr. Ian Barrett, Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer with Kaleida Health, describes the urgent need for healthcare workers, he points to the pandemic as a key turning point. “While we had gaps in our healthcare workforce before COVID, we now have craters,” he says, noting that retirements and those seeking new careers increased, leaving healthcare institutions looking for new ways to recruit and train talent.
That need for workers led to a new partnership with Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology (BCAT) and its Certified Medical Administrative Assistance training program, bringing greater connection between those seeking jobs and a key local healthcare employer.
Kaleida and BCAT began discussion about a partnership in mid-2024 and the first cohort of adult students are now enrolled in the class that is designed with significant input from Kaleida. The curriculum aligns with Kaleida’s specific needs, meaning BCAT students will graduate with the critical training required by the healthcare institution.
As part of the partnership, Kaleida will provide guest speakers to the class, providing more clarity to students about specific job opportunities once they graduate. In addition, Kaleida will give students opportunities for site visits so that students can meet professionals in their field and experience jobs firsthand in preparation for seeking and accepting positions after completing BCAT’s training.
“Our goal is to hire 100 percent of BCAT students who successfully complete the class and demonstrate they have the necessary skills,” adds Barrett, “BCAT has been so flexible in designing the class that we know these students will have the training necessary to step into jobs.” He adds that the partnership and the relationships that will develop will make it easier to connect students to opportunities and the job interviews that will likely lead to employment.
With nearly 85 percent of BCAT’s adult students graduating and gaining the appropriate certification in their field, BCAT is confident that their students are well prepared for jobs. Now, by partnering with Kaleida, students will have direct access to job openings and can begin building great careers, benefiting both BCAT students and our local healthcare sector.
