High school students from across the Murrumbidgee region are being introduced to careers in allied health and nursing through the 'Be a Health Hero' program.
The program is targeted at Year 10 students who may be considering a career in health, giving them the opportunity to explore the different roles available, and get some hands-on experience in a healthcare environment.
The four-day immersive program is coordinated and funded by Training Services NSW under the Regional Industry Education Partnership (RIEP) Program and delivered in partnership with Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD), the College of Nurse Education and Training Australia (NETA) and Charles Sturt University Three Rivers Department of Rural Health (DRH).
Stacey Suidgeest, Senior Project Officer with Training Services NSW said the program provides another opportunity for Year 10 students outside of the typical work experience model.
"During the program, students will be introduced to allied health and nursing careers through informative and practical workshops delivered by Three Rivers DRH, NETA and MLHD," Ms Suidgeest said.
"Students will also visit the Charles Sturt University campus for one day of the program, where they will get to experience a taste of university life. All students participating in the program will undertake First Aid Training."
Year 11 student at Wagga Wagga High School, Darnee Doherty, participated in a similar program in 2023 and is now completing a school-based traineeship in nursing with MLHD.
"By the time I had finished the program last year I knew that nursing was something I could definitely see myself doing," Ms Doherty said.
"The program helped me to decide which subjects to choose for my HSC, and also motivated me to apply for a school-based traineeship with MLHD."
MLHD District Education and Trainee Support Officer, Laura Strano said the District's staff were keen to be involved and share their stories.
"Students are introduced to healthcare workers to hear about their career journeys into health and their passion for the industry," Ms Strano said.
"The program is giving students valuable, hands-on experiences and providing them with a meaningful and informative view on future career pathways available to them."
The program will be run four times this year, catering for around 80 students from more than 30 schools across the Riverina region.
High school students interested in funding out more about careers and pathways in health can speak to their school careers advisor for more information.
ENDS
Three Rivers Department of Rural Health aims to improve the recruitment and retention of nursing, midwifery, allied health and dentistry professionals in rural and remote Australia. It supports students in rural learning experiences, develops multidisciplinary resources, provides training for health professionals, and undertakes rural health research with regional communities. Three Rivers DRH is funded under the Australian Government's Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training Program.
