Scholarships, cadetships and traineeships

School Based Apprentice Traineeships (SBATs) are offered to school students in years 11 and 12 and may count towards the Higher School Certificate (HSC). Students are required to undertake work experience (preferably in year 10) prior to applying for a traineeship position.

Students complete on the job learning with 100 days paid employment (700 hours) over 2 years, while studying a nationally recognised industry qualification.

Eligible qualifications at Western NSW LHD include:

• Administration
• Allied health
• Assistant in nursing (AIN)
• Dental assisting
• Kitchen operations
• Pharmacy

Applications for 2025 school based traineeships open 8th July 2024 and close 18th October 2024.

Apply through the Expression of Interest form and discuss with the career advisor at school to see how this can form part of the HSC study.

Adult traineeships offer the opportunity to work while learning. Course work is to be completed within 12 months and working hours may vary from part time to full time, considering the duration of the qualification.

Eligible qualifications for Adult Traineeships at Western NSW LHD include:

• Administration
• Allied health
• Assistant in nursing (AIN)
• Human resources
• Kitchen operations and cookery
• Pharmacy

Applications for adult traineeships are open all year round.

Express your interest in an adult traineeship through the Expression of Interest form 

Get a $3,000 scholarship to complete the allied health assistant qualification and use funds for associated training fees, technology, travel, accommodation or childcare. 

Allied health assistants are crucial in providing care in our communities and if you're thinking that a career in health could be for you, becoming an allied health assistant in rural NSW is a great choice.

Get up to $10,000 for NSW students from a rural background undertaking entry level studies in allied health (leading to a degree that qualifies the student to practice). 

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$10,000 is available for NSW Aboriginal allied health students with a rural background who demonstrate an interest in a rural career. 

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NSW rural allied health clinical placement grants of up to $750 per semester are available.

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A 2 year new graduate program designed to provide a positive transition to professional practice with a specialised program including workplace learning and clinical and professional skill development.

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For new graduates or less than 3 years’ experience can apply for $12,000 to complete the Level 1 allied health rural generalist program. Funds can be used for course fees, or technology.

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Allied health professionals with more than 2 years’ experience can apply for $35,000 to complete the Graduate Diploma of Rural Generalist Practice (level 2). Funds can be used for course fees, or technology.

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Apply for $10,000 towards educational expenses directly associated with postgraduate study.  

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This cadetship program provides support and assistance to people studying Diploma of Nursing course to become an EN. 

Benefits include:

• a study allowance of $600 per fortnight while studying full time, for 40 weeks over your course
• 12 weeks paid employment in one of our health services
• support from a mentor, cadet coordinator and additional clinical training and support
• the possibility of ongoing employment when you successfully complete your studies.

You will study a Diploma of Nursing at either Orange Dubbo or Bathurst TAFE.

This is a targeted position in accordance with GSE Rule 26 – affirmative action will be applied to employment of eligible Aboriginal persons. For more information, visit Government Sector Employment (General) Rules 2014.

How to apply

Please apply through our Expression of Interest form with the following saved into one document for upload 

• your resume
• in 500 words or less why you want to be a nurse and how this cadetship will assist you with your studies and future employment in our LHD 
• evidence of full-time enrolment in a Diploma of Nursing course

To find out more about how to apply, email WNSWLHD-GradRecruitment@health.nsw.gov.au 

Diploma of nursing students travel incentive of $5,000 and use the funds for associated travel and accommodation costs, if the registered training organisation more than 150km from home.

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Recipients receive a scholarship of approximately $5,000 after completion of their Diploma in Nursing studies and 12 months working in a NSW Health facility.

How to apply

Download the NSW Health Enrolled Nurse Scholarships 2023 (PDF 609.86KB) applicant information package before applying.

We offer dedicated positions to assist new graduate ENs to transition to professional clinical practice. The transition from new graduate to competent nurse can take 12 months or more, our goal is to provide training and support throughout this crucial year.

The transitional year provides role models and a supportive environment in which newly graduated ENs:

• develop clinical competence with a consistent approach for improved health outcomes of those living and working in rural areas
• exhibit professional practice behaviours
• experience job satisfaction
• establish connections with our district and our communities.

The EN transition to practice program includes:

• 2 weeks paid study leave to attend orientation
• 5 days paid study leave to attend scheduled education sessions throughout the year
• support from a mentor/practitioner, EN transition to practice coordinator and additional clinical support
• completion of portfolio of practice (competencies)
• individualised learning support plans
• opportunity to work in specialist clinical areas including aged care, maternity
• regular debriefing sessions.

How to apply

Applications must include:

• your contact details
• why you want to be a nurse and how this program will assist you with your studies and future employment in our District (500 words or less)
• your resume
• AHPRA Registration.

To find out more about how to apply, email WNSWLHD-GradRecruitment@health.nsw.gov.au 

Western NSW LHD is committed to providing opportunities for ENs wishing to further their nursing careers whilst remaining close to their families and local community. This program is open to existing staff and aims to ensure ENs are supported to achieve their registration as a registered nurse (RN) while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

EN to RN conversion scholarships include:

• Paid study leave for residential schools, examinations and clinical placements. 
• $1000 accommodation and travel subsidy to attend clinical placement, if more than 100km from usual home address or workplace, paid upon successful completion of clinical placement.

For more information about how to apply for these scholarships or travel subsidies email WNSWLHD-GradRecruitment@health.nsw.gov.au 

Up to $15,000 per year is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students who hold a Diploma of Nursing qualification and are undertaking a Bachelor of Nursing.

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$1000 per subject are available for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students undertaking a Bachelor of Nursing or Bachelor of Midwifery. 

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Includes a study allowance of $600 per fortnight while studying for 40 weeks, $500 per semester support allowance, 12 weeks paid employment in a local public hospital and support from an Aboriginal mentor, cadet coordinator and additional clinical support.

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Scholarships of up to $5,000 are available for people from rural NSW who are undertaking first year studies of a Bachelor of Nursing or Bachelor of Midwifery degree in 2023.

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Grants of up to $1,000 are available for clinical placements in a NSW public health facility.

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Dedicated positions are available to assist new graduate RNs to transition to professional clinical practice as part of the Western NSW GradStart program.

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New graduate nurses and midwives could receive $1,000 for moving expenses to relocate to a regional area.  

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Apply for funding to complete one degree qualification within the Applied Mental Health Studies (AMHS) course Adult Mental Health Specialisation.

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Receive the cost of study through the Health Education and Training Institute (HETI) as well as funded hours to study. Applicants must already be working in this area.

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Receive 75% of the cost of study of the single unit through Health Education and Training Institute (HETI). 

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Available in the following categories: clinical studies, education, management, or postgraduate study leading to registration as a midwife. 

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This scholarship covers course fees for graduate certificates and masters programs in Rural and Remote Nursing, Clinical Education, Leadership and Management and Aged Care.   

Find out more and learn how to apply by emailing WNSWLHD-GradRecruitment@health.nsw.gov.au