The popular school-based apprenticeship and traineeship (SBAT) program has commenced at Far West LHD for 2023, with seven students in the District taking part.
The SBAT program gives Year 11 and 12 students an opportunity to start their health career by participating in workplace learning while completing their HSC.
Students complete the SBAT over two years with support from the health service, TAFE, Apprenticeship Support Australia, and local high schools to ensure the enrolled students finish successfully.
During their two-year traineeship the students will attend Broken Hill TAFE to complete their classroom learning to obtain their certificate. Broken Hill TAFE will be using face-to-face classes as well as a variety of different technologies to teach and maintain regular contact with the students and their trainers.
The 2023 SBAT cohort (from left): Mackenzie Williams, Sophie Greville, Ellie Bottrell, Ashlee Fairholm, Mollie DeFranceschi, and Sophie Hartwig. Absent: Matthew McNamara.
The SBAT program has been very successful for the health service and this cohort will be the ninth to commence. The seven students will be working at Broken Hill in nursing, allied health, and business services.
Mr David Green, FWLHD Director People and Culture, said the SBAT program gives students a supported pathway from school to work within the local health district.
“The Program provides students with an opportunity to gain entry into the workforce and an industry recognised qualification while they are studying at school,” he said.
“It will create pathways for the students wanting to go to university and or pursue careers within the health sector.”
Mr Green said the SBATs program is part of the LHD’s workforce strategy to grow our own rural workforce.
“It helps to build and grow the future workforce of the Far West LHD which supporting students with employment opportunities,” said Mr Green.
“We are very excited for the latest cohort of SBATs as they start their course with the LHD and we wish them all the very best. We are all looking forward to seeing where their careers take them from here,” he said.
The Far West LHD looks forward to working with the students; their parents; the Broken Hill TAFE; the Department of Education; the high schools and the Industry NSW for successful traineeships that will help to build the future workforce for our health services and community.
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