Secondary school students with a passion for healthcare have had a real taste of what a career in the field looks like, taking part in an Allied Health Industry Immersion Day at Rochester and Elmore District Health Service.

The day gave Cohuna Secondary College and Rochester Secondary College students first-hand experience before committing to future study or career directions.

The event was organised by Campaspe Cohuna Local Learning and Employment Network, which supports district students in their transition from school to work through work experience, work placements, industry immersion and careers exposure.

Campaspe Cohuna LLEN organiser Cath Elms said the day was designed to open students’ eyes to the wide range of opportunities within the allied health sector.

“We want to help students make those informed decisions when they’re thinking about subject selections and what they might like to do for future pathways as well,” she said.

Ms Elms said the immersion day worked hand-in-hand with the Allied Health VET in Schools program, offering students a real-world look at an industry they were already studying.

“The tour is aimed at students who have an interest in allied health careers,” she said.

“Because places are limited, we’ve been able to offer the program to 75 students across three hospitals, with 25 students attending each hospital.”

Ms Elms said the LLEN carefully selected focus industries each year, guided by local workforce skills shortages and the vocational education pathways on offer to students.

“We choose industries based on areas experiencing skill shortages, as well as the VET opportunities available to students,” she said.

“We want them to understand the career pathways that are available and what’s coming in those industries.”

Ms Elms said the LLEN made a point of gathering feedback after every event, using it to gauge the program’s real-world impact and find ways to make it even better.

“Sometimes students will discover it’s exactly what they want to do, and sometimes they’ll realise it’s not quite for them,” she said.

“Work experience is where students get their true learning.

“It gives them a real understanding of what a career involves.”

Ms Elms extended her sincere thanks to Rochester and Elmore District Health Service and all participating hospitals for making the program possible.

“We’re really grateful to the hospitals for their support,” she said.

“It takes a lot of planning and commitment from their staff and they’re always so willing to give students these opportunities.”

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Monday, 19th September 2033

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