Twenty-eight trainees across Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) have celebrated their graduation at a ceremony in Dubbo on 15 November, paving the way to begin or continue their careers in health and make meaningful impacts in their communities.
Sixteen trainees graduated from the Adult Traineeships program, including four Aboriginal trainees, which offers the opportunity to work while learning across a 12-month period to gain qualifications in disciplines like Assistant in Nursing and Administration.
A dozen Year 11 and 12 students graduated from the School-Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SBAT) program with Pharmacy, Allied Health, and Assistant in Nursing qualifications, including eight Aboriginal trainees funded by the NSW Government’s Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grant.
The SBAT program is a Department of Education initiative which provides students the opportunity to earn an industry-recognised qualification, working 100 days of paid work experience over two years while studying as part of their Higher School Certificate.
Jackie Corliss, WNSWLHD Manager Graduate Programs and Traineeships, said this year's graduates are from all over the District and many have either chosen to continue working with the District, or have gained early entry into university.
“Our graduates come from all over the District and have different backgrounds and life experience. It is so exciting to see the vast majority of this year’s graduates are from smaller, rural areas including Walgett, Grenfell, Collarenebri, and Lightning Ridge," Ms Corliss said.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer this kind of opportunity to so many people. Their dedication and commitment has been incredible and we cannot congratulate them enough as they celebrate their well-earned graduation."
This year's cohort of graduates included Tyler Tatnell and Summer Williams, both proud Wiradjuri people.
Tyler, born in Parkes and now living in Orange, became the District and state's first school-based Pharmacy Technician trainee when he began his traineeship at Orange Hospital in 2023. In turn, this year he became the first to graduate and will now go on to university.
Summer completed her adult traineeship and gained a Certificate IV in Business Administration this year, after graduating from her School-Based Traineeship at Cowra Health Service last year, and is continuing her employment at the facility.
Ryan Park, Regional Health Minister, congratulated all 28 graduates, lauding their commitment to studying while also working.
It takes incredible dedication, no matter your age or background, to complete study while also working and I wholeheartedly congratulate all 28 of the trainees from Western NSW who have graduated.
“These programs provide a range of opportunities to kick-start a career in healthcare, to continue building skill, act a stepping stone into further study or, for some adult trainees, take another step forward in a career change.
“No matter the pathway they choose from here, whether it be moving directly into employment, training further, or heading to university, I have no doubt these graduates will have a huge impact on their communities in the future.”
For more information on WNSWLHD’s scholarship, traineeship, and cadetship programs visit the WNSWLHD website.
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