LATEST NEWS
Encouraging Health in Rural Communities: A Pathway for Warialda High School Students
During November, a key opportunity emerged for students at Warialda High School who were interested in pursuing careers in the health sector. Recognising the potential of these students and the need for skilled workers in rural areas, the Educational Pathways Program (EPP) aligned with Community College Northern Inland (CCNI) to create an innovative program aimed at providing students with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience necessary for a future in health care.
Photos courtesy of Jacinta Russell - Head Teacher Careers | Educational Pathways Program
Over the course of a three-day program at the Warialda High School, delivered by CCNI trainer Ean Muhs, the students were immersed in a range of practical and theoretical activities related to the health and aged care industries; kicking off with essential certifications, students gained their First Aid qualification, along with completing an Infection Control unit.
“The students completed two accredited units during the workshop, so if they decided they wanted to switch to a different course they could get a credit transfer and take those units with them. I think the clinical skills component which included taking blood pressure, performing blood sugar tests, and measuring body temperature gave students a real-world glimpse into the day-to-day tasks of health professionals,” said Muhs.
One of the program's highlights was Clarissa Barwick from the Gwydir Shire Council (GSC) speaking to the students about long term employment opportunities at Naroo, a local aged care facility in Warialda. Clarissa shared valuable insights on school-based traineeships and post-school employment pathways, supporting GSC’s long-term commitment to local students in their transition from school to work.
“The workshop was really good, there was a lot of information that we didn’t know as a group, and to take valuable health and First Aid skills away from the program was important. I also learnt there was so much more to CPR and I think I could save a life or two now myself, I would highly recommend it to any other students moving forward, and am definitely considering a future in the industry," said student Pyper Dawson.
To further enhance their understanding of the industry, the students participated in a careers immersion tour at Naroo Warialda the following day, allowing students to experience first-hand what it would be like to work in the aged care sector.
“The aim of the program was to empower students with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their future education and career pathways. Whether they choose to pursue further training or secure local employment through an SBAT, the program provided them with exposure to critical skills in an industry that is in high demand,” said Jacinta Gorton - Head Teacher Careers, Educational Pathways Program.
For rural communities like Warialda, programs like this are vital in addressing long-standing skill shortages across industries. The ability to attract and retain skilled workers, particularly in industries like health care and aged care, remains a challenge for local employers, with an aging population in these communities, training the next generation of health professionals is more important than ever.
The Educational Pathways Program, in partnership with CCNI and local organisations like the Gwydir Shire Council, is playing a crucial role in bridging this gap, offering students the skills they need to succeed while also meeting the workforce demands of rural communities.
