Western Sydney LHD Management Graduate Program

The Office of the Chief Executive arranges placement rotations to give trainees experience across different areas of the health system. During each placement, trainees work closely with a supervisor and mentor who help build their skills and support their development.

Year 1

In the first year, trainees complete three 4-month placements. Each trainee is paired with a senior manager at Western Sydney LHD who provides guidance and supervision.

Year 2

In the second year, trainees complete two 6-month placements. Trainees can express interest in the available placements, which helps match them with areas that suit their goals and interests.

Placement schedule

For the 2-year program trainees will be enrolled in either a Master of Health Services Management or Master of Health Information Management through the University of NSW.

Western Sydney LHD funds all university fees and reimburses trainees for any compulsory textbooks.

As part of the academic component trainees are required to attend 6 master classes each year.

Study leave will be provided where appropriate.

Western Sydney LHD is looking for motivated and friendly people who want a rewarding career in public health. Applicants should be innovative, enthusiastic and ready to make a difference in a challenging and dynamic environment. Previous experience in health or management is not needed but is helpful for applicants. The program is not suited to people with a high level of management experience as it is a development program for future managers and leaders within the system.

To be eligible to apply to the program applicants must:

• have completed an undergraduate degree from a recognised university. If your undergraduate degree is from overseas your qualifications can be checked by contacting the University of New South Wales at sue.thomson@utas.edu.au
• be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident
• meet the selection criteria outlined in the application.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity and embraces diversity and inclusion within our workforce, people from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. This includes but is not limited to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, people with disability, women and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

The program offers a full benefits package including:

• Competitive Salary
  • The Western Sydney LHD Management Graduate Program offers a starting salary of $61,631.04 per annum, increasing at the conclusion of the first year to $65,077.50 per annum with successful progression through the program.  
• Leave Entitlements
  • Trainees are eligible for leave entitlements such as annual leave and Allocated Days Off (ADO).
• Salary Packaging
  • Access to salary packaging and meals entertainment benefits is also available.
• Master’s Sponsorship
  • Sponsorship for the Master of Health Services Management or Master of Health Information Management through the University of Tasmania funded by Western Sydney LHD.
• Fitness Passport
  • This is a corporate health and fitness program that allows its members to access a wide range of their local health and fitness suppliers.

The program offers strong support to graduates during and after the program. Health management trainees receive help in both formal and informal ways, making sure they feel supported every step of the way, including:

• Monthly support group
  • Trainee meetings with support persons occur on a monthly basis. Meetings consist of trainees and supervisors in an informal setting, providing trainees and supervisors the opportunity to share experiences and provide support
• Mentoring
  • Mentoring throughout the program will occur with your placement supervisors, with managers offering advice and guidance throughout placements to the trainees.
• Informal Sessions
  • Informal sessions will be held with the program University of Tasmania coordinator during each placement. The manager will visit you at your placement to discuss your development and ensure any issues you have within your placement are dealt with.
• Current and alumni trainees
  • All past and present graduates of the Western Sydney LHD program are part of an easily accessible support network, willing to assist trainees with any questions or difficulties they may have whilst completing the program.

Health management trainees perform a variety of in-house and external courses in their development as future leaders and managers and gain an understanding of the NSW health system. Education courses include:

• Postgraduate studies in a Masters of Health Services Management or Master of Health Information Management.
• NSW Health and in-house education courses
• Learning Sets: learning sets facilitate the integration of workplace and educational components for the trainees. Learning sets are facilitated by the University of New South Wales coordinator and are held monthly with a guest speaker invited to present a topic within their specialty area. The aims of learning sets are:
  • To encourage graduates to critically appraise various aspects of their work situations in relation to concepts and ideas from the education program to:
    • provide peer support
    • facilitate the exchange of experiences, observations and ideas
    • encourage the development of critical reflective practice
    • assist graduates with approaches to developing their management and personal competence and
    • provide advice and guidance on the preparation of work for assessment.
• Professional association and industry conferences

Amelia Burfitt

Operations Manager People and Culture

"The Graduate Program is, in my opinion the best opportunity young graduates have to enter the world of health management. Graduates have the benefit of learning from, and working with senior management including mentoring - which is invaluable to your career. Through the unique exposure to multiple areas of operational management, you gain both hands on involvement and high level understanding of the ‘world of health’ that it could otherwise take years to experience.

 

"On reflection of my time in the program I have now learnt that you cannot get that kind of experience at the beginning of your health career anywhere else. For graduates who are committed, hardworking and adaptable - it will fast track your understanding, skill development, knowledge and subsequently your management career.

 

"I would recommend this path to anyone who wants to become a Senior Health Manager."

Joana Andre Garrido

2nd Year Health Management Trainee

"After completing my undergraduate degree and joining the Western Sydney LHD graduate program, I have undergone a transformational journey. The program for me has been extremely beneficial, providing not just insight into the corporate operations of the health system but also giving exposure to the clinical side. I have really enjoyed gaining experience in a range of projects and teams within a dynamic workforce. 

 

"The supervisor and mentor element of the program has also been invaluable to my development as a future leader and manager in health. Supervisors, being senior executives, provide unique insight and support to trainees during their placements and the program. Both the trainees that I have undertaken this program with and previous trainees have all supported my journey in the program.

 

"This program is a great opportunity for anyone looking to begin their career in health management."

Grace Navin

Health Management Intern Western Sydney LHD

"The Health Management Graduate Program is a challenging opportunity to apply my knowledge and experience to roles within NSW Health I may not have previously considered.

 

"I wanted a change from clinical nursing, and the program has given me the chance to develop my leadership capabilities through invaluable learning experiences. I’ve had the privilege of working closely with the Chief Executive and other Directors of the LHD.

 

"Despite health being a complex system, the program gives you the chance to be part of positive change and influencing quality care that benefits patients."