WARRNAMBOOL College’s Emily Alberts wants a career where she can help people.
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The year 11 student has begun a school-based traineeship at South West Healthcare and will rotate through a range of allied health placements.
So far the 17-year-old has worked with speech pathologists, counselling and support services and the hospital’s admission risk program.
“I’m enjoying all the different sides,” she said.
“I didn’t know what they all did.”
Emily said when she finished school she wanted to work in healthcare.
“I want to do something that helps people.” The Certificate II in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care is sponsored by Westvic Staffing Solutions and is being delivered by South West TAFE.
TAFE’s Koori health program co-ordinator Anne-Marie Banfield said it was the first time a program of this kind had operated in Victoria.
She said the school-based program helped students get a taste of work in Aboriginal health and experience in the workforce.
Anthony Smith, group training field officer with Westvic Staffing Solutions, said the program was step one of what could be a long-term career for indigenous students looking to work in the health industry. “It can be a pathway to many areas of health,” he said.
“South West Healthcare have been very supportive of this program from day one and have been very supportive of Emily in the workplace.
“We hope that this is the start of something that can be available for indigenous students on an annual basis.”
Mr Smith said Emily had been very enthusiastic about her traineeship.
“It may be possible that Emily can undertake a higher level of training as part of the year 12 studies in 2016.
“We have been fortunate to find a person such as Emily. We think she will benefit greatly from this program.”
