YEARBOOK HEALTH GATEWAY
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CheckUP staff and board respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live, and recognise their continuing connection to the land, water and community. We pay respect to Elders past and present, and future leaders.
CheckUP strongly supports equality for all. We embrace diversity and condemn any kind of discrimination, be it on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.
Sabrina Kerr has worked at CheckUP for 16 years She leads the delivery of the Health Gateway to Industry Schools Program In addition to engaging in strategic planning for the program, she plays a key role in creating professional development resources for school staff and is also the Program Coordinator for schools in the Metro South and Gold Coast regions
What an amazing year is has been for the Health Gateway Program to Industry School Program! The Health Gateway Program is an initiative of the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training that is delivered in partnership with Check It aims to develop school students' knowledge and understanding of the varied roles available in the he workforce and improve their access to learning and experiential opportunities in Queensland's growing health sector
CheckUP has coordinated the program since 2020 a is proud to showcase the achievements of our Healt Gateway Schools in this inaugural Health Gateway Yearbook Over the past year the Health Gateway Program has grown significantly with seventeen ne schools joining in 2022, resulting in a total of forty-n schools across the state CheckUP has been working closely with them to provide information, resources support for staff and students to raise awareness of range of career opportunities within the health sect CheckUP has also been working hard to establish connections with local health services and state-wid health organisations to identify opportunities for student experiential learning, such a work experien and traineeships
We look forward to continuing to work with and support our Health Gateway Schools and industry partners in the future
CheckUP held our 2022 Health Gateway to Industry Schools Forum on Friday 14 October 2022 at Rydges in South Brisbane The Forum was attended by 105 delegates and provided an update on the health industry, workshops about topics such as VET pathways, traineeships, and some of the more popular health professions, including nursing and allied health. The Forum also provided an opportunity for attendees to network with other schools and industry attendees
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Health Equity, Strategy Branch, s Strait Islander Health Division, h
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ied Health Professions' Office of Manager, OSMAC
Australian Academy of Dental
Development Manager, LTT Park College
mmy Southwood, Kelvin Grove
ustralian Training Works Group
umban's College
VET Alumni
For more information or to view the presentations, nts page on the Health Gateway wwgateway2healthcomau
It was a busy year for everyone!
Attending school events is the best way our team can engage with students and provide them with practical information regarding the large scope of career opportunities available to them within healthcare
This year the CheckUP team were kept busy attending school events all over the state Providing Health Gateway Schools with opportunities to participate in information sessions, attending career expos and arranging for health professionals to share their experiences are all ways our team assisted in raising awareness and increasing student's understanding of the wide range of career opportunities within the health sector
The team showcased the newly launched Healthcare is Everywhere website, which is an online interactive resource for teachers and students to gain a greater awareness of the breadth of careers in health This virtual reality resource allows students to click on different healthcare settings and study the range of careers within each organisation To view this innovative resource simply visit the Health Gateway Program website and follow the links to Healthcare is Everywhere
Want to know more? Go to:
www.gateway2health.com.au
3675 student engagements
32 school events
33,076km travelled by CheckUP team members to visit and support our schools in 2022
CheckUP team members working on the Health Gateway Program attended over 30 school expos and events throughout Queensland in 2022, with more than 3500 student engagements Above are just a few photos taken at events our team attended Students are always interested to learn about the wide range of career opportunities available to them in the health sector.
Early in 2022, Matthew was encouraged by St Columban's College to apply for the Queensland Training Awards ‘School Based Trainee’ category for the exceptional commitment and dedication he had demonstrated in his traineeship with Metro North Health undertaking a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance Initially, Matthew was hesitant of the application process as he didn’t know much about the awards However, through encouragement and support from the staff at St Columban’s College, Matthew applied with an understanding that this was a great opportunity for him to showcase traineeship pathways in the health industry
After completing a written application, Matthew was short listed for the Regional North Coast Awards and underwent a phone interview At the Regional Award ceremony, Matthew discovered how ‘big’ the awards are and really started to learn a lot about the Queensland Training Awards After winning the Regional Award, Matthew progressed to the Queensland State Awards and completed another phone interview Matthew described his win at the Queensland State Awards as a huge surprise, but he also felt proud and privileged to be representing Queensland at the Australian Training Awards that were held in Adelaide Matthew shared that it was at this point that his nerves started to get ‘real’ as he never dreamt he would be representing Queensland at the national level
Matthew completed a final interview as part of the Australian Training Awards process This was his first interview completed by Zoom with a range of unknown judges Matthew said that the interviews were his favourite part of the awards process He felt it allowed him to grow and improve each time and he felt confident in sharing his training story In Adelaide, Matthew was able to learn further skills in completing
www.gateway2health.com.au
interviews in a way to captivate the audience After a busy few days following his graduation in late November, Matthew joined the Queensland team in Brisbane and flew to Adelaide for a whirl wind adventure The Australia Training Awards process was incredible for Matthew It included cultural immersion experiences, dinner at the Adelaide Zoo, dinner at the University of Adelaide National Wine Centre of Australia, professional development sessions in communication, selling your personal brand, mental health, and team building As the youngest member of the Queensland team, Matthew stated that his colleagues were incredible in their support and encouragement
"I have made some life long friends in the team and it was great to learn and hear about their training stories," he said
While Matthew was successful in receiving the ‘silver’ award at the Australian Training Awards, he was also able to achieve so many lifelong skills that will support him on his career journey Matthew built skills in being able to promote himself for future job opportunities and learnt to create a positive LinkedIn profile Matthew is proud to be an ambassador for training pathways and will continue to look for opportunities to promote school-based traineeships and apprenticeships as he looks forward to continuing his study in paramedicine and nursing at university
Matthew’s traineeship provided him with a confident grounding for a successful career in the health industry
Knowing that healthcare occupations will be in strong demand for quite some time, St Patrick's College in Shorncliffe has made a commitment to provide students with experiences, insights and knowledge that will prepare them for pathways into health In 2022, the College introduced health into their senior curriculum, with students able to complete Certificate II and III level courses as part of their standard timetable Throughout the year, four students were successful in undertaking school-based traineeships in healthcare settings
Year 12 student Cooper Mitchell was the winner of the School-based Trainee of the Year Award for the Metropolitan region at the Queensland Training Awards He completed a Certificate III in Health Support Services at Redcliffe Hospital During his training, Cooper had many experiences, including spending time working in a palliative care ward Cooper was encouraged by his training provider and supervisors to nominate for this award because of his keen enthusiasm towards both working and learning
Although Cooper missed out at the state-wide School-based Trainee of the Year Award, the recipient completed a similar healthcare traineeship at Caboolture Hospital
Cooper has been offered early-entry to a Bachelor of Nursing at Australian Catholic University He is confident to pursue this pathway due to the knowledge gained and experiences undertaken throughout his traineeship
Both CheckUP and St Patrick's College commend Cooper for his efforts The College looks forward to Cooper returning to campus to contribute to career planning and subject selection events in 2023
Anthony Hill (pictured right) is a highly experienced VET teacher and leader at St James College His previous career as an engineering electrical auto mechanic has given him a depth of understanding of his industry, which helps him support his students to become knowledgeable and employable tradespeople
Anthony's results in student achievement speak for themselves, with more than 98 per cent of his students successfully completing their qualifications in 2021
Anthony won the 2022 VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year Award!
Australian Christian College Moreton is a Health Gateway School The College is a Prep to year 12, co-educational, Christian school located in Caboolture offering on campus education to students across the Moreton Bay Region and distance education to students throughout Queensland, interstate, and overseas
The school currently offers Certificate II in Health Support Services and Certificate III in Health Services Assistance to their cohort There were 12 students enrolled in 2022
Situated within the expanding semirural community of Plainland, Faith Lutheran College provides high quality co-educational Christian teaching and learning for students in Years 7-12.
Faith Lutheran College Senior Health students have been actively participating in a variety of programs to assist them in their studies and pursuit of careers in health They have enjoyed a full day Health Workshop on the College campus with University of Queensland Rural Medical School, University of Southern Queensland, Southern Queensland Rural Health, Queensland Ambulance Service and Griffith University in attendance Activities included allied health skills, CPR, bandaging, vital signs and empathy belly Local health professionals attended and shared their personal journey with students on their pathways to their chosen professions in nursing, dentistry, chiropractic therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and paramedicine Students also participated in the Prevent Alcohol and Risk Related Trauma in Youth (PARTY,) Program an in-hospital injury awareness and prevention program at Toowoomba Base Hospital This program commenced at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in 2010
Students from Year 10 also attended the Aspire2Health day, which was hosted by the University of Queensland Rural Medical School
In March 2022, St Ursula’s College Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance and General Health subject students attended the PARTY Program, held at Rockhampton Base Hospital
The PARTY Program is an in-hospital injury prevention program run state-wide in Queensland hospitals
Students were provided with authentic scenarios and information about trauma and injuries The students met with several health professionals and gained insights into career opportunitites, while learning how to recognise situations with potential for injuries and make decisions to prevent trauma and minimise harm
Lourdes Hill College (LHC) is excited to be a part of the Gateway to Industry Schools Program In 2022 LHC had 53 students undertake vocational qualifications in the health sector This included 50 completing the Certificates II and III in Health Services through Mater Education, and three students undertaking a traineeship
Excitingly, LHC are also in the process of building a health hub to allow for students to undertake their health qualifications on the LHC campus This is an exciting development for the school community, and LHC are looking forward to having the space ready for 2023
Throughout the year, LHC students have also had the opportunity to communicate with health professionals from a variety of paths at events such as a careers symposium and through lunchtime sessions and industry panels that the College have run
Photo:StudentsparticipatinginthePARTYProgramat RockhamptonBaseHospitalThis year four Senior students were selected to be part of the St Andrew’s Hospital Traineeship Program Lexi Finch, Katie Caruana, Kimberly Day, and Bailey Whyte were chosen to complete their studies in a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance at the hospital Entry into the program involves a four-step application process, which initially involves the submission of a resume and written application After this, short-listed applicants are invited to a series of interviews with a panel of hospital representatives. Each year the hospital recruits a small number of students from the applications received from students attending schools in the local community Places in the program are very limited With a long and strong history in clinical Graduate Programs, Ramsay Health has supported thousands of people to start and build their careers in heathcare St Peter Claver College students have indeed been very fortunate to be involved in this significant project, building key competencies required to develop their career in the extremely diverse and rewarding industry of healthcare
St Peter Claver College became a member of the Health Gateway Program in 2022 As part of the initiative, there are Health Gateway to Industry Schools Program Student Experience Grants available that provide financial support to schools seeking to develop and implement experiential learning activities for students undergoing health-related education or training St Peter Claver College secured a grant from the Health Gateway Program in 2022, enabling the College to purchase valuable resources for its Claver Health Hub These resources have supported the delivery of the College's health curriculum, providing a rich learning experience for students
In 2022, Bundamba State Secondary College had five young people with school-based traineeships at the Ipswich Hospital, gaining experience as assistants in nursing (AIN) They started their journey completing the VETiS funded Certificate ll in Health Support Services with Mater Education at WESTEC Trade Training Centre in 2021
They have all had their own unique experiences, working across numerous clinical areas, from acute, medical, surgical, stroke/rehab and orthopaedics just to name a few Their clinical placements are reviewed and changed over the course of the traineeship, so they experience the various areas of the hospital
They have experienced highs and lows during their time at the Ipswich Hospital, from births to deaths and have a great support team who have mentored them throughout
The five students Alekk, Munarra, Mulana, Lora and Sephrenia (pictured above) plan on pursuing careers in the health sector in midwifery, paramedicine and nursing upon completion of their senior secondary schooling
Munarra is also a recipient of the QAS School-based Scholarship Alekk, Munarra, Mulana, Lora are part of the Deadly Start Pathways Program
Riley Gamble, a year 11 student at Ipswich State High School, commenced his Certificate II in Health Support Services with a slight interest in health He initially thought it might be an easy subject to study, however, along the way his interest grew further and he realised a strong link with his future career aspirations Riley is an outstanding student and during 2022 he was always looking for opportunities to extend himself in the course as well as support his peers with the content
Riley is furthering his health journey by enrolling for the Certificate III in 2023 When Riley finishes school he wants to become a Disability Support Worker and this Certificate has provided so many practical learning opportunities that will assist him in the industry Teachers at the school are excited to support Riley on his learning pathway to such a highly respected and essential role within the community
Ferny Grove State High School is one of the newer schools in the Health Gateway Program, signing up in Term 3 of 2022 CheckUP's Training and Health Gateway Program Coordinator Kat Murray (pictured right) delivered an informative presentation to four groups of Year 10 students at the school's Career Conversations Day The presentation provided interesting and relevant information about different occupations and careers in the health industry, along with a demonstration of the 'Healthcare is Everywhere' online resource Ferny Grove State High School is pleased to be part of the Health Gateway Program and looks forward to building on the partnership in 2023 and beyond
“When I see a smile on their face I know I have accomplished something and it melts my heart to see clients happy.”
Riley Gamble
Tamborine Mountain State High School Year 9 – 12 students have been completing the Certificate II in Health Support Services and Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
Through donations and support from the registered training organisation Axiom College, the school has a dedicated classroom with health equipment to create a simulated health environment for the students
Tamborine Mountain State High School students have had fun with the practical components of the certificate, learning first aid, infection control and caring for individuals The school is excited to be giving students the opportunity to learn these skills.
CheckUP staff attended a Career Day at the school and talked to students about opportunities within the Health Industry
Bundaberg State High School is one of the oldest state high schools in Queensland, and is a Health Gateway School The school offers Certificate II in Health Support Services and Certificate III in Health Services Assistance through the registered training organisation Connect 'n' Grow Students have also had the opportunity to attend a number of events, such as a health immersion workshop, and undertake mock interviews and work experience One such student is Tiannah Weller Tiannah sat down with Head of Department SeniorVET Jo McGrath to discuss her future career goals and her experiences
What is your career goal and how did you venture onto this pathway?
I want to become a Registered Nurse A couple of years ago, I was actually interested in working with children, such as childcare I then kept exploring the possibilities and thought about paediatrics because I wanted to be able to help people With family having health issues and my relatives being in the nursing field, I became interested in working as a Registered Nurse
What experiences have you undertaken to support your chosen pathway?
I have had lots of conversations with people to learn more about nursing I chose an ATAR pathway, selecting subjects that would benefit my career pathway and entry into university Courses I chose to study included the Certificate II in Health Support Services and Certificate III in Health Services Assistance, which was delivered at school in partnership with Connect 'n' Grow I also undertook the SUN Program at Central Queensland University (CQU) which enabled me to enrol in a university subject over the Christmas holidays at the end of year 10
I was successful in my first course and this gave me guaranteed entry into a Bachelor of Nursing at CQU To be able to accelerate through the nursing degree, I continued to study relevant nursing subjects at University and I have already completed 6 months of university while still completing year 12
With the school's help, I was also able to secure eight days of work experience at TriCare in Bundaberg During that time, I experienced the role firsthand, bathing patients, supporting patients with feeding, and making beds I was also able to shadow the Registered Nurse (RN) and I observed the dispensing of medicine to patients It was a great way to learn new skills
I am looking to undertake further study after Christmas to help me become an AIN This will enable me to work in the health field while I continue through my degree in nursing
Where do you see yourself working in the future?
I love Bundaberg and want to stay here I want to be able to help my local community. I see myself working as an RN in Bundaberg
Marwan, a Pharmacy Assistant from Mabel Park State High School, recently took the time to answer some questions for CheckUP
Why did you choose this field of work or study?
I chose a career in this field because I want the type of work where I get to make a positive difference to people’s lives, Coming from a non-speaking English background, it was my priority to translate medications labels to my parents when going to the pharmacy I was also assisting my parents with blood glucose monitoring device’s throughout my teenage years Therefore, when I started my traineeship in the same pharmacy that my parents went to, I realised this job role is something I’m very passionate about
What tasks does your job/study include? What do you love about your job/study the most?
As a Community Pharmacy Assistant, I work under the supervision of a pharmacist to prepare medicines, advise customers on non-medical products and assist in stock control
Being a Pharmacy Assistant trainee demands a high level of attention to detail in a setting that moves quickly Maintaining composure and concentration is crucial because errors can be expensive
One of the things I love as a Pharmacy Assistant is the feeling of accomplishment you get from knowing that by simply performing your job, you’ve made someone feel better
What is/was your study journey to get this job?
Through my school’s VET Office I was given the opportunity to apply for this Traineeship A few students also applied but it came down to two students
After I found out I was one of the two students selected for the traineeship, I attended a trial session that went on for nearly a month, coming in one day a week This is where the opportunity came down to one of the students I was accepted into the next stage of the enrolment, which involved a panel interview The panel included my school’s VET Officer, MAS ambassador and the Pharmacist (Store Manager) The interview involved sign-up information, including the duration of the traineeship, which was one year, and the 375 hours of paid work placement I completed my course with The Pharmacy Guild of Australia
What are your future plans for work and study?
My future plan is to become a Pharmacist This is a decision I have come to since I completed my traineeship My plan from here is to work towards a university degree in pharmacy My Certificate II in Community Pharmacy will allow me to get a part time job while I’m studying at university
What is one thing about your study and/or job that you would love to share with people considering this career?
Students like myself who wish to begin their careers with a head start into the industry should seek for possibilities such as traineeships and apprenticeships through their school VET Office These programs can be the beginning of your career, providing you with skills and a qualification for the future
"Do not be afraid to try new things!"
In early 2020, Bentley Park College (BPC) became the first school in Queensland to partner with the Health Gateway Program Since then, BPC and CheckUP have collaborated to raise awareness of the many career pathways available to students within the health sector
Recently Bentley Park College opened its Medical Training Precinct, a facility designed to encourage high school students to undertake careers in healthcare The state-ofthe-art facility provides high school students with access to an ICU and GP training space, enabling them to complete certificate studies and kick-start their careers while still in school The Medical Training Precinct, valued at $138 million, will also feature cutting-edge ICT Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality tools that will allow BPC to share learning pathways with schools across Queensland Through the facility, BPC will partner with other schools in Cairns and offer students the opportunity to use the impressive resources The school-based VET training is also available during school holidays, ensuring students
have ample opportunities to upskill and gain practical experience
Thanks must go to Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service Chair, Clive Skarott, for his unwavering commitment and support of BPC's vision to create this precinct The Cairns Hospital is committed to providing employment opportunities for BPC health graduates, with a particular focus on increasing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce The Medical Training Precinct is set to provide a direct entry to TAFE or University, and successful students can apply for credits towards their chosen course
Bentley Park College is thrilled to have opened the Medical Training Precinct, which provides students with an unprecedented opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the healthcare industry This exciting development is set to play a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare in Queensland, and BPC looks forward to continuing its partnership with the Health Gateway Program to ensure that students have access to the best possible training and career opportunities
Photo(aboveright):CheckUP'sGeneral ManagerofEngagementandWorkforce DavidMillichapandtheHonourable CurtisPittMP Photo(aboveleft):Schoolstaff,students,CheckUPstaffandtheHonourable CurtisPittMPattheturningofthesodatBentleyParkCollegeKelvin Grove State College opens new Student Wellbeing Centre and launches an online Health and Wellbeing Hub.
Kelvin Grove State College became the first school in South East Queensland to officially sign a Memorandum of Understanding with CheckUP, becoming the second Health Gateway School in the program in early 2020 The College offers students many opportunities to undertake further studies in health and has many established relationships with local industry, allowing students to gain a greater understanding of the various career opportunities available to them within a health setting
The construction of a Student Wellbeing Centre commenced in November 2021 and was completed in April 2022 The center was designed with service consolidation in mind, and to ensure the College could service the wellbeing needs of all students The center consists of nine offices, the Reflect Repair Reconnect (RRR) Room, and various flexible seating areas for student use The College's Psychologist, Guidance Officers, Behaviour Support Teacher, Chaplain, School Defence Mentor, School Based Youth Health Nurse, and School Based Police Officer are based in the center Since opening, the center has been welcomed by staff, students, and the whole College community This new way of operating has allowed for the streamlining of processes and further enabled collaborative support services to be provided that directly benefits our students The College launched the new Wellbeing Centre and online Health and Wellbeing Hub during Queensland Mental Health Week in 2022
As Queensland Mental Health Week is a state-wide awareness week that aims to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing the College believed this was the perfect opportunity to shine a light on mental health and make a valuable contribution
and difference in the lives of those in the community The Student Wellbeing Team organised a range of events and activities throughout the week, and also provided information and resources to staff and students to promote positive mental health and wellbeing Throughout the week there were numerous activities, including visits from members of the Australian Army Band and Headspace There were also lots of examples of participation in classroom activities from teachers and conversations within the various extracurricular groups The week culminated in an Expo at lunchtime on Friday 14 October that involved a number of external groups coming in to promote their work and wellbeing generally
A new initiative, Future Inspired Thinking (FIT) Club, was launched This group is a partnership between Kelvin Grove State College and the Australian Defence Force, to support mental health and wellbeing in young men
The College marketing team, with the help of the School-Based Psychologist Sarah Coomb, also launched the College’s online Health and Wellbeing Hub, which is an incredible resource for community and one the College hopes to share with schools across Queensland
Ryan Catholic College is a co-education combined school, serving years P-12 with 1,907 students enrolled The College is located in Townsville in North Queensland
Career Pathways is the College’s commitment to assisting secondary students, particularly those in Years 10, 11 and 12, with career compatibilities and options, through relevant information, resources, guest speakers and targeted sessions throughout the year Through the Registered Training Organisation, Connect 'n' Grow the College delivers Certificate II in Health Support Services and Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
With an increased interest for careers in the health sector, St Augustine's College has signed an official agreement with CheckUP in 2021 This was a very exciting opportunity for the College, as students continue to take on valuable vocational education and training during their Senior Years including Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
By being part of this program, the College has created important networks with health-related organisations within their wider community so students can further expand their future pathway opportunities in health
Marsden State High School is located on Yuggera and Gugingin country Marsden State High School is known as the largest school in Australia with enrolments hitting a whopping 3733 in January 2022
Students are given the opportunity to study Certificate II in Health Support Services and Certificate III in Health Services Assistance through Axiom College The school also has industry connections through OSMAC, Logan Hospital and St Johns Volunteering CheckUP's Health Gateway Manager Sabrina Kerr visited the school this year for the signing of their Memorandum of Understanding
Ripley Valley State Secondary College (RVSSC) is the newest secondary school in the greater Ipswich region, opening in January 2020 In September 2022 RVSCC became a Health Gateway School with plans of opening a health hub for students who undertake health qualifications
The College has links with local industry in which the team plan to grow over the coming years in partnership with CheckUP's Health Gateway team
Ravenshoe, the highest town in Queensland at 920 metres, is a lush region of mountain pastures and un-spoiled World Heritage rainforest in Far North Queensland Located in this tropical paradise is one of the newest Health
Gateway schools, Ravenshoe State High School. The school has local industry linkages to Ravenshoe Medical Centre and Mamu Health Clinic with two students currently undertaking traineeships in Certificate III in Individual Support The school continues to forge relationships with local businesses and hopes to build on this with the support of the Health Gateway Program
This year MacGregor State High School Certificate III in Health Services Assistance students had the opportunity to engage in real world and simulated experiences across a number of subsectors of the health industry One of the most memorable experiences came in the form of an excursion out to the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) Ipswich Campus for a Health Industry Experience Day
During the course of the time out there the students were able to participate and engage in a variety of activities, including being able to take advantage of the kitted out “educational purpose” ambulance and custom designed paramedics training room This led to some fun with their stateof-the-art CPR dummies Students were also able to immerse themselves into the simulated hospital wards that are designed to provide the most realistic experiential learning for nursing students at USQ This was a real eye opener for the students The last experience for the day involved a bit more movement with the students being put through their paces by some of the resident exercise physiologists in the testing facility onsite The day concluded with a tour of the campus and an insight into what day-to-day university life looks like for a health student at USQ Ipswich
The excursion supplemented the fantastic work that the school's teachers do every lesson to prepare students for success in their careers in the health industry postschooling This excursion was also possible due to the funds secured through the Health Gateway Program Student Experience Grants, which allowed the school to subsidise the cost of the experiences for students, removing barriers and allowing greater access to enhance their learning journey
Kawana Waters State College is a Health Gateway school that provides many opportunities for its students both within and beyond the classroom
In July 2022, over 100 students visited the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) to immerse themselves in a range of activities across a number of health and medical fields, including paramedicine, prosthetics, a visit to the nursing simulation wards, and exposure to the scene of a simulated car accident Students were able to hear from USC ambassadors about university life, including the challenges, rewards and support available This day provided solely for the Health Education Unit (HEU) students was a wonderful insight into what students can expect if they choose to study at USC, what courses are available and the many future career pathways available to them
In addition this experiential day, a student named Jackson Bailey from the College was accepted to participate in a Buderim Private Hospital experience Jackson successfully went through an application process where the hospital received over 180 applications and selected only 48 students from across the Sunshine Coast to attend the event During the day, the students were given a comprehensive overview of the diverse range of career opportunities available to them within the hospital setting
Thirty-five students were also given the opportunity to attend the Gympie Hospital PARTY Program mid-way through term two This is a regular excursion that occurs each year for a full day and student attendance numbers are limited This excursion provides an overview of the many facets at the Gympie Hospital, including a visit to the morgue!
Also of note, the Health Education Unit held the Health Heroes Symposium twilight event on the secondary campus with over 100 people attending This event is an important part of the College calendar as it showcases the program to prospective students and their parents
The evening commenced with Deputy Principal and Head of the Health Education Unit Chloe Brown providing a background of the program and what a student should expect if they enrol in the program for 2023 Following this a number of hands on activities were provided by the HEU teachers, current students and a group of third year Paramedic students from USC
The College also collaborated with various aged care facilities on the Sunshine Coast to facilitate student placements throughout term two, along with over sixty students completing placement in the term two school holidays During the September school holidays over thirty-five students participated in work placement to complete 80 hours of practical experience as part of their Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
(Assistant in Nursing) Kawana Waters State College was fortunate to partner with half a dozen aged care facilities on the Sunshine Coast who work with their students to complete this component of this qualification
Finally, the College offers a Medical Immersion Program to students across the Sunshine Coast In 2022, thirty-eight students participated in the program which explores the vast array of health career opportunities available to them
Deception Bay Flexible Learning Centre (FLC) began as an inclusive learning community in 2006 and is part of Edmund Rice Education Australia, a national and unified network of Australian schools and educational entities
The aim of the Deception Bay (FLC) is to respond to the complex needs of disenfranchised young people who have been marginalised from mainstream education The Deception Bay (FLC) provides holistic learning experiences that address the social needs of students and promotes their emotional, cognitive, spiritual and academic development
Gympie Flexible Learning Centre (FLC) officially opened as a registered school in 2012 It evolved from, 'It’s up to you Gympie', an outreach program that was an annex from the Noosa Flexible Learning Centre Since 2008 Gympie FLC has progressed from a mobile service with two staff and 15 young people to a purpose built building with 12 staff and 65 young people
The Hemmant Flexible Learning Centre (HFLC) has been established in consultation with the local community to support young people disengaged from mainstream schooling The Centre offers a program that focuses on engaging young people with complex needs and encourages participation and active learning in a supported and connected way Together with the local community and allied agencies, we aim to provide a learning environment that promotes confidence, ability, opportunity and optimism for all young people attending
Noosa Flexible Learning Centre (NFLC) commenced in 2006, stemming from an educational program ‘Tranzed’ offered through United Synergies NFLC has developed over the years, starting with 25 young people enrolments in 2006 to over 85 young people enrolments in 2017 Throughout this time curriculum opportunities continue to evolve and a distinct community spirit maintains a unique and defining characteristic of the NFLC community
Runcorn State High School is located on the southside of Brisbane on Jagera land
The school was established in 1986 and has a population of approximately 1150 students in Years 7 to 12
Through AXIOM College, the school offers Certificate II in Health Support Services and Certificate III in Health Services Assistance to students in years 10-12
Loganlea State High School offers a broad academic program and an exciting range of co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities The school offers Certificate II in Health Support Services and Certificate III in Health Services Assistance to their students along with an Industry Day & Health Careers Workshop/Information session
A student at the school is currently undertaking a school-based traineeship at the Logan Hospital where they will gain a Certificate III in Allied Health Support as well as valuable industry experience
In 2022, CheckUP's Health Gateway Manager Sabrina Kerr attended the school's Career Expo The expo was well-attended and there was strong interest from students wanting to learn more about careers and vocational study pathways into the health industry.
Kirwan State High School is a proud Independent Public School and the largest high school in Townsville The school currently offers Certificate II in Health Support Services and Certificate III in Health Services Assistance through Connect 'n' Grow to their students The school has an established relationship with the Townsville Hospital and Health Service, Mater Health Services North Queensland Limited and The Good Shepherd Home The school has also had connections with Townsville Aboriginal and Islanders Health Services (TAIHS) in the past with TAIHS taking teaching staff on industry
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Mossman State High School is located in a rural town of the same name in Far North Queensland The school is a vibrant and exciting place where students are continually learning and developing the knowledge and skills that allow them to contribute in a positive way to their local community and society as a whole
Mossman State High School became a Health Gateway in late 2022, making it one of the newest schools to join the program
Mareeba State High School is a proud part of the Far North Queensland community With great success from students undertaking their studies, the school is also recognised for community support in areas of mental health, along with the focus on sport, gifted and talented, the arts, trade training and outdoor pursuits The school offers Certificate II in Health Support Services to their students
St Rita's College joined the Health Gateway Program in mid-2022 The College currently has a partnership with Mater Education for the delivery of the Certificate II in Health Support Services and the Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
CheckUP's Health Gateway Coordinator Kat Murray presented to students at their Careers Day in 2022, showcasing the Choose Your Own Health Career and Healthcare is Everywhere websites
The College hopes to build on their current connections to industry through the assistance of the Health Gateway Program
In June 2020, St Michael's College at Merrimac achieved the distinction of becoming the first Health Gateway School on the Gold Coast CheckUP's Health Gateway Manager, Sabrina Kerr, visited the school in 2022 to deliver an informative session to year 12 students with an interest in pursuing a career in the health industry
During the session, students exhibited high levels of engagement and a strong desire to deepen their knowledge of the Health Gateway Program, Choose Your Own Health Career website, and Healthcare is Everywhere resource
St Patrick's College is a coeducational Catholic secondary school, located in Mackay St Patrick's College became a Health Gateway School in October 2021 and is currently still the only school involved in the program within the Mackay region
The College offers its students the opportunity to study both a Certificate II in Health Support Services and Certificate III in Health Services Assistance. A large cohort of students are enrolled in these certificates, which are delivered by Connect 'n' Grow
In Far North Queensland, Djarragun College achieved the distinction of becoming the fourth Health Gateway School The memorandum of understanding was signed by the College's Executive Principal, Michael Barton (pictured on the left below), in October 2022
The purpose of this collaboration is to provide students with hands-on experience required for future participation in the health industry and engage health organisations to attract informed and suitable young people to careers in the industry Djarragun College's primary health program will:
provide focused experiential learning opportunities for students to gain a deeper understanding of the health industry and make informed choices help create sustainable partnerships between the school and health organisations facilitate opportunities for students to participate in employment and gateways to further training provide access to industry tested resources and funding provide professional development and capability building for staff
Picturedabove:ProgramLeader/PrimaryHealthTutorAnnJoneshandingover thesignedMoUwithCheckUP'sRegionalCoordinatorforFNQMelanieSheridan
As the demand for healthcare professionals continues to rise, McAuley College, located in Beaudesert, is committed to affording its students multiple opportunities to pursue studies in this area
Throughout 2022 the College had five Year 12 students studying in the health field, two via TAFE at School and three studying a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance as a school subject The students studying through TAFE at School successfully completed the partial Diploma of Nursing (10 units) and are now off to TAFE full-time in 2023
One of the students studying the Certificate III in Health Services Assistance at the College was so successful in her study, that she was given the opportunity to accelerate this to also achieve her Assistant in Nursing qualification This was a fantastic opportunity and a wonderful qualification to have The College is very proud of the achievements of all of their students studying in the health field
SunnyFutures is an Award-Winning Program designed to support the 2022 Year 12 students’ transition to their 2023 goals of employment or further study Under the SunnyFutures program, Year 12 students work alongside a guidance team to lay down the path for their career goals or further education Its key objectives are to empower the students with the confidence to be job-ready or to assist the youngsters with their acceptance to universities
The key approach of the SunnyFutures team is to empower and support students to be job ready and confident They assist with acceptance of university offers over the summer holiday period and support students to apply to Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) for courses to strengthen career goals and options The team also engage industry support agencies to link students to internships, traineeships, apprenticeships or employment opportunities and link with employers and students to undertake valuable work experience to strengthen employment opportunities Students are also guided on how to improve their resume for job applications or student profiles for university applications to better prepare them for the school to work transition Working with individual students, the team hope to strengthen their existing skills and abilities and encourage them to dream bigger and take risks
After Graduation, the SunnyFutures team will communicate with Year 12 Graduates, parents, guardians, carers and nominated family members in a variety of ways over the coming months This contact will occur via text messages, phone calls, newsletters, brochures, emails, as well as via invitation only SunnyFutures social media accounts
Throughout Term 2 and 3, in conjunction with the school’s guidance officers, the SunnyFutures team has been checking in with each Year 12 student to gain a holistic approach to support their career or further study goals
Before graduation, each student will have a unique goal plan designed with them At all stages of this journey, families, parents and carers are encouraged to contact the team if they have any questions
Year 11 Clairvaux MacKillop College student Maddison Gillies began a school-based traineeship in 2022 through OSMAC Apprenticeships as a pathway to a nursing career She has been based at Beaudesert Hospital This has provided a more practical experience for Maddison and has included activities such as:
Bathing clients
Stock control
Communication with patients
Supporting nurses in their roles
This experience has provided the motivation for Maddison to pursue a career in this industry She has thoroughly enjoyed the experience so far and looks forward to developing her skills further at Beaudesert Hospital in 2023
Carmel College, located in Thornlands, delivered the Certificate II in Health Support Services for the first time in 2022 For the staff at the college it was as much a learning curve for them as it was for the students Feedback from all involved was that the pilot year of delivering the Certificate was rewarding and interesting With the support of registered training organisation Connect ‘n' Grow and their trainers, the College's two teachers Kristy Wilkinson and Natalie Falvey successfully delivered a great program All current students are progressing on to the Certificate III in 2023 and the College already has a new cohort of eager students keen to enrol in the Certificate II
For many years, at least a third of the College's year 12 graduates have gone on to study and work in a healthrelated field, so it is very exciting for the teaching staff to be able to deliver this program on-site Two students were also fortunate enough successfully gain valuable traineeships in health this year Dahlia Geesu has been working with the Mater on the Deadly Start Traineeship Program and Keely Lake was able to secure a traineeship placement with the
local area hospital The College is incredibly proud of both students' achievements
It is hoped that with continued building and renovations happening at the school grounds that a dedicated health hub classroom will be set up for 2023 and beyond The College plans to increase facilities to the point where Assistant in Nursing (AIN) qualifications can be delivered on site
St Saviour’s College is the oldest secondary College in Toowoomba The College is a secondary boarding and day school that educates and empowers young women in a changing world
The College, in partnership with Connect 'n' Grow delivers Certificate II in Health Support Services and Certificate III in Health Services Assistance to students The College also has a partnership with Infinite Aged Care who provides work experience for students completing their health qualifications
The Cathedral College is a Catholic, coeducational, secondary boarding college in Rockhampton The College has relationships with the University of Queensland Rural Medical Clinic, Mater and Hillcrest Hospitals through James Cook University Heroes program In partnership with Bluestone Medical the College delivers Certificate II in Health Support Services to students
Tec-NQ is an alternative to traditional school delivering the same outcomes in a work-based training environment Tec-NQ emerged as a cutting edge solution to address trade skill shortages in 2005 through an environmental scan commissioned by the Townsville City Council
Tec-NQ joined the Health Gateway Program in 2020 and has a relationship with Biomedical Technology Services (BTS), a division of Queensland Health BTS was integral in the establishment of the P-Tech Pathways Tec-NQ has also worked with The Good Shepard Home to provide work placements for students
Trinity College is an independent Roman Catholic co-educational secondary day school, located in Beenleigh, south of Brisbane
The College offers students the opportunity to study Certificate II in Health Support Services and Certificate III in Health Services Assistance, delivered by Registered Training
Organisation(RTO), Connect 'n' Grow The College has many local industry connections with Logan Hospital, Queensland Ambulance - Beenleigh, Queensland XRAY, Absolute Physio and Rehab, Southern Cross Aged Care, Eden's Landing Aged Care, Murphy's Health Care Pharmacy, Physio Labs, QML and Sullivan and Nicolaides
Unity College in Caloundra joined the Health Gateway Program in 2021 The school currently offers on-site training to their high school students through a fully-equipped Health Hub.
In 2022, the College planned to improve culture awareness and respect to create an area in the Health Hub that represented a connection between the local Aboriginal 'The Gubbi Gubbi' people and the Health Hub In consultation with the College's Indigenous Support Officer, the North Coast Aboriginal Corporation for Community Health Centre and with the support of a grant provided through the Health Gateway Program the College designed a custom frosted glass sticker for Aboriginal health to be installed on the glass sliding doors of the Health Hub (pictured left)
In late 2022, St Mary's College at Ipswich became a Health Gateway School Working in partnership with Connect 'n' Grow, the College delivers Certificate II in Health Support Service and Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
The College has connections with UniSQ for direct entry to Bachelor of Nursing and St Andrew's Ipswich Private Hospital for Health Services Assistance and Kitchen Operations traineeships
Designed for Year’s 9 and 10 high school students with an interest in a health career, Aspire2Health is a collaboration between Griffith University, Southern Queensland Rural Health, The University of Queensland – Rural Clinical School, Queensland Ambulance Service, the University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise, Darling Downs and West Moreton Primary Health Network and Western Queensland Primary Health Network.
The event is an opportunity for high school students to learn about what it’s like to study a health degree at university and be exposed to the various health professions that work in the health sector The program allows students to meet with local health students and professionals and to have some fun learning some of the key skills taught in a health degree
In 2022, students from St Saviour's College, St Joseph’s College, St Ursula’s College, The Glennie School, Toowoomba Anglican School, Fairholme College, Toowoomba Christian College and Toowoomba Grammar School had the opportunity to engage with Aspire2Health and experience a medical simulation and sample a range of health careers, including speech pathology, social work, pharmacy and medicine
CheckUP's Health Gateway Manager Sabrina Kerr also provided a short talk to the students on vocational education and training pathways in health She shared key resources with the students, including the Choose Your Own Health Career website and Healthcare is Everywhere tool It was so great to see the students’ interest and enthusiasm to learn more about what a career in the health industry has to offer
For more information about the Aspire2Health program go to: https://ruralmeded.org.au/courses/aspire2health/.
This interactive learning resource is aimed at high school students and staff to increase awareness and knowledge of the healthcare system and the variety of careers within the health industry
Users can explore a hypothetical city and rural community, zooming in and scrolling around both settings Students will discover a range of health services and career opportunities available.
Check out Healthcare is Everywhere by visiting the Gateway website. For
CheckUP would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the participating schools in the Health Gateway Program for their support in enabling young people to acquire the knowledge, skills and attributes needed to contribute effectively to the future health workforce in Queensland Our sincere appreciation also goes to the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training for its ongoing support of this important program and ongoing commitment to securing Queensland's future health workforce.
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