Forget waiting until graduation day at university… the future of healthcare is already clocking
in.
North West Hospital and Health Service (North West HHS) has celebrated its largest-ever investment in the future local healthcare workforce, with 15 secondary school students graduating from its dual Deadly Start School-Based Trainee program and School-Based Traineeship program.
The cohort included seven Deadly Start program participants and the first-ever intake of
eight School-Based Trainees, marking a major milestone for the health service's growing
commitment to developing local talent.
For many of the graduates, the programs have helped shape career ambitions, build confidence and, in some cases, secure guaranteed pathways into university.
School-Based Trainee Poppee Butler said she wasn't sure what she wanted to do after school until she stepped inside the hospital.
"This traineeship gave me the opportunity to learn in a real workplace and build new skills," Poppee said.
"One of the things I enjoyed most was being part of such a supportive team. Everyone was so welcoming and willing to teach me, and seeing firsthand the difference healthcare workers make in people's lives has motivated me even more to pursue a career in healthcare."
The experience has also become something of a family tradition.
Poppee's father, Jessie Butler, said seeing his daughters embrace healthcare had been a
proud moment.
"I worked in mining for 24 years and always thought my girls would end up following me into
the industry," Mr Butler said.
"Now I've got one daughter who's already working at the hospital and now Poppee is following the same pathway. It's fantastic to see these opportunities available locally, and I'm incredibly grateful to everyone who's helped these students along the way."
School-Based Trainee Sophia Politch said the traineeship had completely changed the way she viewed her future.
"I originally thought I wanted to be a teacher, but this gave me the chance to experience
healthcare firsthand," she said.
"The nurses were so welcoming and happy to answer all my questions. I've learnt so much about working in healthcare, communicating with people and believing in myself."
Sophia will next year begin a Bachelor of Nursing Science at James Cook University after securing guaranteed entry through the traineeship.
Deadly Start graduate Shia Dempsey admitted healthcare wasn't always part of the plan.
"I actually wanted to be a mechanic," she laughed.
"Then in Year 10, Miss Pru encouraged me to take part in the week-long Ground Up work experience program at the hospital. I thought it would just be a week away from school, but by the end of it I realised healthcare was where I wanted to be."
As the only student in this year's cohort to undertake a Certificate III Allied Health Assistance, Shia spent time exploring a range of Allied Health disciplines before narrowing her options.
"It was a toss-up between Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy, but after getting to experience both, Speech Pathology won," she said.
Shia said while she was nervous walking into the hospital for the first time, the support she
received quickly put her at ease.
"Everyone was so supportive. I always felt comfortable asking questions and never felt like I
had to figure things out on my own. It made such a difference, and I'm so grateful to all of my
supervisors and mentors who helped me along the way."
Executive Director First Nations Christine Mann said programs like Deadly Start were
helping create genuine pathways for local young people.
"Deadly Start is about helping young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people see that healthcare is a place where they belong and where they can build meaningful, rewarding careers," Ms Mann said.
"Seven Deadly Start graduates in one year is an incredible achievement. Every one of these young people represents the future of healthcare in our communities, and we're excited to watch where their journeys take them. When our young people can learn, grow and eventually return to care for their own communities, everyone benefits."
Health Service Chief Executive Andrew Quabba said investing in local students was one of the best ways to build a sustainable rural health workforce.
"This graduation ceremony is a glimpse of the future workforce and I think it’s safe to say we’re in very capable hands,” My Quabba said.
“This year we celebrated our largest cohort yet, including an extended cohort of School- Based Trainees. That's 15 local young people who now have a clearer pathway into healthcare, and that's something our whole community should be proud of.
"These programs give students the confidence, skills and connections to imagine themselves working in healthcare, and that's exactly what we need. We look forward to welcoming many of these graduates back through our doors in the years ahead."
The Deadly Start Program and School-Based Traineeship Program provide local secondary
school students with practical, hands-on experience across a range of healthcare settings
while completing nationally recognised qualifications and exploring future career
opportunities within the health service.