Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) recently welcomed a new cohort of School-Based Aboriginal Trainees (SBATs), providing a unique opportunity for these students to kick start their careers in health through an engaging and hands-on program in Allied Health.
The Allied Health School-Based Aboriginal Traineeship program brings to life a vision of inclusivity, equity, and empowerment within the healthcare landscape.
Students from Year 11 can undertake a nationally accredited Certification III in Allied Health Assistance, while completing their HSC.
Through providing avenues for professional development and advancement, the program not only works towards the goal of closing the gap but also fosters a more diverse and inclusive healthcare workforce.
Local student Jaidah has just started her placement and is looking to forge a career in occupational therapy, physiotherapy, dentistry or radiography.
“It’s important we have more Aboriginal students working in health so this opportunity is great for Aboriginal kids,” Jaidah said.
“We need to have more representation of our culture in different areas and this school-based trainee-ship supports that.
“I really hope to learn more about health to start my career and to do more to help people around me in my community.”
Year 12 student, Hayley, started in the program last year and attends SBAT each Wednesday.
“I want to be a health assistant, podiatrist or a nurse so I think this program pretty cool, plus it’s Aboriginal and I find anything with an Aboriginal focus is interesting,” Hayley said.
“I’m learning a lot about Allied Health including how to take care of wounds and what to do if someone if injured.”