Eight local high school students are celebrating a significant milestone, marking six months since beginning their school-based traineeships with North West Hospital and Health Service (NWHHS) as part of the Queensland Health School-based traineeship initiative.
The students, all in Year 11 and preparing to start Year 12 next year, are completing a Certificate III in Health Service Assistance delivered by Connect ‘n’ Grow. The traineeship combines structured education with real clinical experience, designed to prepare young people in Mount Isa for meaningful careers in healthcare.
Over their 12-month program, each trainee will complete 375 hours of learning, including hands-on experience, ward rotations, workbook assessments and observation. So far, students have rotated through departments such as Child Health, Maternity, Paediatrics, Medical, and Surgical wards, and have completed two week-long theory and practical training blocks with Connect ‘n’ Grow educators on site in Mount Isa.
NWHHS Learning and Development Coordinator, Renaee Takurit, say the initiative is part of a broader goal to increase school-based traineeships across Queensland and build a strong local pipeline of future health professionals.
“These young people are part of our future workforce. By supporting them early, we’re building confidence, skills and a connection to their local health service.” Renaee said.
For many of the students, the program is already reinforcing their future ambitions.
Year 11 student Poppee Butler said the traineeship has strengthened her passion for nursing.
“I chose a traineeship in health because I wanted to understand what the health field is like, and I've always had a passion for helping people,” Poppee said.
“So far, I've enjoyed building confidence and learning how to care for people in a genuine way. It's taught me about patience and how much small actions matter. These 6 months have made me realise nursing is what I want to do. It pushed me to stay focused, keep learning and work towards my future goal.”
Fellow trainee Sophia Politch said the experience has allowed her to explore different career pathways and learn the importance of communication in patient care.
“It's an amazing opportunity for people who want a career in health!” Sophia said.
“I have learnt that the way you approach people can change their approach towards you. Choosing to apply for this traineeship has shaped my career, as experiencing different wards has definitely helped in my decisions towards what I'd like to specialise in.”
Upon completing this traineeship, students will hold a nationally recognised qualification that enables them to work as an Assistant in Nursing or operational health service roles.
Applications for the next intake are now open, and interested students are encouraged to speak with their school teachers to find out more.