Dominic Taabazuing is a medical laboratory technician at BIDMC.  But just a few years ago he was a high school student wondering what his future might hold.

Thanks to the Boston Private Industry Council (Boston PIC), the City’s Workforce Development Board and its school to career intermediary, Dominic joined Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) as part of the PIC’s summer jobs program for Boston high school students. After his internship, he was hired into a part-time entry-level role in the hospital’s Nutrition and Food Service Department. 

“His manager recommended he apply to BIDMC’s Medical Laboratory Technician pipeline program, and he successfully completed that program, which involved attaining his associate degree through courses offered on site after work hours through a local community college and passing the board exam,” explains Joanne Pokaski, Director of Workforce Development for BIDMC.  “Dominic is now working full time as a medical laboratory technician in BIDMC’s Chestnut Hill laboratory. His hourly rate has increased 66% and he is now pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology with the support of BIDMC.” 

Says Dominic, “The opportunity BIDMC gave me to begin a career was the best thing to ever happen to me.”

A Fruitful History

"The PIC has enjoyed a wonderful relationship with the employers in the LMA over many, many years,” said Tara M. Raposa, Assistant Director, School to Career & Employer Engagement for the Boston PIC.  “Over 20% of jobs in Boston are in health care and the Boston PIC’s summer jobs program helps us expose young people to opportunities in that industry,” she added. 

At Brigham and Women's Hospital their Student Success Jobs Program (SSJP) partners with the PIC and is a year-round internship program designed to introduce 80 Boston high school students to medical, health, and science professions. Students are matched with health care professionals who provide mentoring and serve as role models. The programs recruits students from eight schools: Boston Latin Academy, Community Academy of Science and Health, Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers, Fenway High School, John D. O'Bryant School of Math And Science, Madison Park Technical and Vocational High School, New Mission High School, and Urban Science Academy.

Throughout all of Boston, Brigham and Women’s, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard University, BIDMC and Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary are the 2015 Boston PIC Summer Jobs Top Employers according to the PIC’s annual report. Approximately 300+ students work at LMA institutions.

“The PIC would not be so successful if we didn’t have support from decision makers very high up in these organizations,” adds Raposa.  “The presidents and CEO’s recognize the importance of this job pipeline and offer the full support of the organizations.”

Students can seek positions in all departments including office jobs, lab services, food services, human resources, community resources, et cetera.

For more information on the Boston PIC please visit www.bostonpic.org.