Graduation Day For Homegrown Healthcare Workers

Graduating high school students from regional NSW are enjoying a smooth transition to work and further study as part of a unique school-based traineeship program.

While completing their Higher School Certificate (HSC) at high school, students in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District have also completed two-year school-based traineeships in nursing, allied health or administration.

The traineeship contributes the equivalent of one subject towards their HSC and also counts towards their overall ATAR result.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Prue Car said the 30 students had made a wonderful decision in choosing to study the trainee course while at school, setting them up with foundational knowledge for their future careers.

“This program provides students interested in working in health a unique opportunity to gain real-world experience while studying their HSC,” Ms Car said.

“I want to send a big congratulations to the 30 students graduating from the Murrumbidgee area and wish them all the best for their bright futures.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park congratulated the 30 students who graduated today as part of the School-based Traineeship Program - an innovative program that enables students to have a supported pathway from school to a career in healthcare within the local health district.

“The school-based traineeship program encourages young people to consider a career in health and also empowers them to pursue further study opportunities upon graduating,” Mr Park said.

“We recognise recruitment and retention of staff is an ongoing challenge in regional, rural and remote NSW communities and addressing this is a priority for the NSW Government.”

Murrumbidgee Local Health District’s School-based Trainee Support Officer, Laura Strano, said during their two-year traineeship, the students complete a minimum of 100 days of paid, on-the-job training in their chosen area, as well as one day a week during school terms and the school holidays.

“Murrumbidgee Local Health District is today celebrating the 30 graduate trainees who have completed and transitioned into roles within the District, as well as some who have also taken on roles at their healthcare facilities, including aged care,” Ms Strano said.

“Many of our graduating trainees have applied for TAFE and University, and some have already received early entry offers for their chosen tertiary courses including nursing and occupational therapy, which is wonderful.”

Students beginning Year 10 in 2024, who are considering a career in health should speak to their school Careers Advisors, or email MLHD-Traineeships@health.nsw.gov.au for more information.

Expressions of Interest open in Term 1 of each year, and applications will open in Term 2 for the 2025 trainee intake.

• Topics:

• Education
• Health & Wellbeing