Twenty-eight trainees across Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) have celebrated their graduation at a ceremony in Dubbo, paving the way to begin or continue their careers in health and make meaningful impacts in their communities.
Sixteen trainees graduated from the Adult Traineeships program, including four Aboriginal trainees, which offers the opportunity to work while learning across a 12-month period to gain qualifications in disciplines like Assistant in Nursing and Administration.
A dozen Year 11 and 12 students graduated from the School-Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SBAT) program with Pharmacy, Allied Health, and Assistant in Nursing qualifications, including eight Aboriginal trainees funded by the NSW Government's Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grant.
The SBAT program is a Department of Education initiative which provides students the opportunity to earn an industry-recognised qualification, working 100 days of paid work experience over two years while studying as part of their Higher School Certificate.
For more information on WNSWLHD's scholarship, traineeship, and cadetship programs visit the WNSWLHD website.
Quotes attributable to Regional Health Minister Ryan Park:
“It takes incredible dedication, no matter your age or background, to complete study while also working and I wholeheartedly congratulate all 28 of the trainees from Western NSW who have graduated.
“These programs provide a range of opportunities to kick-start a career in healthcare, to continue building skill, act a stepping stone into further study or, for some adult trainees, take another step forward in a career change.
“No matter the pathway they choose from here, whether it be moving directly into employment, training further, or heading to university, I have no doubt these graduates will have a huge impact on their communities in the future."
Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Dubbo, Stephen Lawrence, MLC:
“I wish all of this year's graduates from Western NSW the very best and offer my sincere congratulations. Completing studies is a huge milestone, and these qualifications will open up a range of pathways for graduates.
“I'm thrilled that a number of graduating trainees this year plan on staying and working in the Western NSW Local Health District, and a number have also gained early entry into university. It's exciting to see their careers develop, and the impact they will have as healthcare workers."
Quotes attributable to WNSWLHD Manager Graduate Programs and Traineeship Jackie Corliss:
“Our graduates come from all over the District and have different backgrounds and life experience. It is so exciting to see the vast majority of this year's graduates are from smaller, rural areas including Walgett, Grenfell, Collarenebri, and Lightning Ridge.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer this kind of opportunity to so many people. Their dedication and commitment has been incredible and we cannot congratulate them enough as they celebrate their well-earned graduation."