Mackay Hospital and Health Service is growing its own talent by working with the next generation of health workers.
This week 32 secondary school students will take part in a two-day work experience program at Mackay Base Hospital.
Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery, Education and Support Services Julie Rampton said during their time at the hospital students would be exposed to a broad range of careers in healthcare.
“Students will interact with staff from a wide variety of areas including nursing, medical and allied health allowing them to see working in health from all angles,” she said.
“They will be able to openly chat with staff about their daily work life as well as ask any questions they may have around what the jobs entail and what education pathways may be available.
“Practical activities have also been organised in the Simulation Centre offering exciting, hands on experience of the types of work carried out by our hospital and health service staff.”
Work experience is an important career pathway for up and coming hospital and health service workers.
“The program will help students make informed decisions about their careers because they see the reality of the job before they start tertiary study either at TAFE or university,” Mrs Rampton said.
“The work experience will also benefit students in developing networks so they can get advice while they are studying or come back for work placement during their studies”
Mackay HHS is working with local schools and the Department of Education and Training to deliver the program.
“We engaged directly with the Department of Education and Training to act as a third party in collecting the applications from students who were keen to be a part of the program,” she said.
“VET coordinators from the schools will accompany the students to assist further promotion of health careers in our schools.”
Applications were competitive with more than 80 students from nine schools seeking to take part in the program.
More Information
Danielle Jesser, Media and Communications Manager
mhhs-comms@health.qld.gov.au
Phone 0417 756 221
