Summary
- The first cohort of Deadly Start School Based Trainees (SBT) on Thursday Island graduated.
- Deadly Start SBT is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
The first cohort of Deadly Start School Based Trainees (SBT) on Thursday Island graduated on Friday 13 December 2024.
Jikidda and Ashwyn, from Tagai State College-Secondary Campus, celebrated the occasion with Iadakul Bowie, Traineeship and Work Experience Coordinator, local staff, family and friends.
It was a double celebration for the duo as they have also just completed Year 12.
The Deadly Start Program is a partnership between Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS) and the Metro North Hospital and Health Service. It is a traineeship program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Ashwyn and Jikidda commenced as SBTs on Friday 1 March 2024 at Thursday Island Hospital.
As part of the program, they completed a different rotation each term, enabling them to gain experience in areas such as Administration, Allied Health, Medical, Nursing, Operational services and Primary Health Care.
Completion of the traineeship means that Ashwyn and Jikidda have achieved a Certificate III in Health Services Assistant and 375 hours of paid work placement within TCHHS.
Both were thrilled with their time in the program, with Ashwyn saying he loved the whole experience.
“I really enjoyed being able to interact with patients, meet(ing) all the different health workers and just gaining that knowledge of what health workers, nurses, doctors and staff go through.
“I have a bigger perspective on our health services,” he said.
TCHHS Executive Director Workforce and Engagement Sally O’Kane said that TCHHS is committed to building a strong and capable workforce into the future.
“These traineeships provide students the opportunity to gain experience across many areas of health. We hope this will encourage students to pursue a career in health, and TCHHS will benefit from growing a local workforce.
“We want to create an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone. That means employing more local workers who can deliver culturally and clinically safe care.
“Providing culturally safe health services that are closer to home is incredibly important if we want community to feel comfortable seeking help,” she said.
Jikidda and Ashwyn have been inspired to continue their career in health, enrolling in a Diploma of Nursing at TAFE Queensland.
Enrolling in the Diploma has meant they were eligible for, and obtained, a Queensland Health Cadetship.
As Cadets, they will be employed as temporary part-time staff members for 12 months, completing 60 days of work experience between Thursday Island Hospital and Sibuwanay Ngurpai Meta.
TCHHS Manager Capability, Learning and Development Denise Mansfield said that the Health Service and the Deadly Start Program also supported other Tagai State College students in two weeks of vocational placement at Thursday Island Hospital, Sibuwanay Ngurpai Meta and Star of the Sea Elders Village. This assisted the students to complete their Certificate III in Health Services Assistant.
If you’re considering a Traineeship or Cadetship with TCHHS, Jikidda’s advice is “Just give it a go! I would recommend this experience to other students”. Ashwynn added “Don’t be afraid to seek help from your supervisor or school, and just push yourself forward”.
For more information about the Deadly Start or Cadetship Programs, please email tchhs-traineeships@health.qld.gov.au.