‘School based trainees flourish in the health services industry’ – Melbourne, VIC

A partnership between Shake a Leg and Western Health is seeing the first Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander school-based trainees Phoebe Amedovski, Allira McAuley-Dryden, Riah Morgan and Lucy Vicendese flourish in the health services industry.

The ambitious four are completing their core secondary school curriculum while combining training and working in a real job with a real wage. Western Health has committed to providing them with work placements one day a week across several departments, including the Aboriginal Health Unit, People and Culture, Education and Volunteers teams. They are also studying a Certificate III in Business, with all four having completed 75% of their studies already.

Riah mentioned that “The traineeship has helped me further my studies and since working here I’ve gained recognition and support throughout my community.”

This program is designed to develop their workplace skills, knowledge, and confidence while providing them opportunities to explore future career pathways within the health industry. The trainees are gaining insight into the everyday operation of a large and rapidly growing community health service.

Annette de Jager from Western Health said: “This program is not only a great innovative opportunity for those wanting to enter the healthcare workforce but it is also a great opportunity in improving career pathway opportunities for Aboriginal youth in our region.”