Learning theatre
Students go hands on
HEALTH workers in the making are getting an early taste of working life during an innovative work experience program.
The Year 10 work placement has long been stereotyped as a week of running coffees, filing and observing but the Barwon Health program is using the week as a chance to engage and inspire the next generation.
Over two weeks, 40 students — seven of whom are male — from across the region will take part in the Careers in Health program.
Chosen from a record 100 applicants, the students will take part in simulated healthcare practices such as theatre, examining an X-ray, dispensing medication and supporting aged care residents.
The aim is to promote awareness of the breadth of career opportunities healthcare offers and give students a chance to experience what a day in the industry may entail.
Participant Tanika Trickey, of Matthew Flinders, said the program would allow her to make informed decisions before deciding on VCE subjects or submitting university course preferences.
“I’m interested in nursing, but I’ve learnt about so many other areas I wouldn’t normally be able to,” Ms Trickey said. “I really enjoyed the simulated operating theatre.”
This immersive experience offers exposure to clinicians and educators from fields such as nursing, medicine, midwifery, physiotherapy, speech pathology, occupational therapy, social work, dietetics, medical imaging and paramedics.
Co-ordinated by the Clinical Education and Training unit, the program is supported by the Geelong Local Learning and Employment Network.
Barwon Health increased the number of places available this year and hopes to do the same for next year.