School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBAT)
The average age of Aboriginal people living on the Central Coast is 21. With a comparatively young age in community (compared to 42 for non-Aboriginal people in the Central Coast region) the School Based Aboriginal Traineeship (SBAT) program recognises that young people are vital to engage as part of the District’s future workforce needs.
The School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SBAT) Program commenced in 2014 and provides young people (Year 11 and 12 students) who are interested in a career in the health sector the chance to gain valuable work skills and experience at Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) while still at school. The program provides hands-on experience in various roles across administration, nursing, midwifery and allied health.
Trainees work at least one day a week (paid) over a 2 year period under the supervision of staff. Trainees also attend TAFE another day to complete their training.
At the end of their traineeship, students are eligible to receive their HSC and a nationally recognised Certificate III qualification and complementary work experience in their chosen field.
Dedicated traineeships pathways
The District has for some years offered traineeships in Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol. The course is offered through Charles Sturt University and students complete either a Bachelor Health Science (Mental Health) or Bachelor Health Science (Co-morbidity). Certificate IV and Diploma level qualifications are also available in Aboriginal Alcohol and Other Drugs Work.
The District has also supported students to participate in the Aboriginal Population Health Training Initiative (APHTI). Over a three year period the students complete studies and undertake a rotation amongst the Public Health Unit, Aboriginal Health Service and Sexual/Youth Health Services. On completion the student achieves a Masters in Public Health.
Targeted cadetships
NSW Health offers a statewide cadetship program for nursing, midwifery and allied health undergraduate students. The program offers a study allowance to assist with education expenses and work placements (usually for 12 weeks) as a semi-skilled worker (for example nursing students usually undertake block placement work as an Assistant in Nursing on study breaks from university).
Map my health career
Check out ‘Map my Health Career’, to learn more about study and career pathway options into health.
Map my Health Career