Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) has welcomed its first pharmacy technician trainee this year, also the state's first, as part of the School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBAT) program.
The SBAT program is a Department of Education initiative providing Year 10, 11 and 12 students with the opportunity to gain an industry recognised qualification, while gaining paid work experience as part of their High School Certificate (HSC).
Lauren Herd, WNSWLHD Director of Pharmacy, said it is incredibly exciting to welcome Tyler Tatnell to the District’s workforce, and to Orange Hospital where he is based.
“We are excited to be able to offer this opportunity to students living in our region. By enabling them to study and work here, we hope they will stay and continue to work in the District,” Ms Herd said.
“Tyler is our first trainee for pharmacy, and the first in NSW. Tyler is a proud Wiradjuri man, born in Parkes, but grew up in Orange, where he lives with his family.
“Tyler has a passion for medicine and found the pharmacy traineeship to be a great starting point in his medical career.”
Over the next two years Tyler will complete 100 days of paid employment, enabling him to put his theory skills into practice.
“I am really enjoying it. The team is great and help me out a lot. I enjoy learning about the different medications and how they’re used,” Tyler said.
“My colleagues have been really welcoming and they’re so knowledgeable and happy to teach me too.
"I appreciate the opportunity that I have been given and am very happy about my experience so far, and I am ready to challenge myself further in this field."