March 22, 2024

Students get a taste for a career in health industry

UOW Southern Highlands and TAFE Moss Vale host high school students' health careers day

High school students from the Southern Highlands and Goulburn took part in a Health Care Taster Day at the University of Wollongong (UOW) Southern Highlands and TAFE NSW Moss Vale campus earlier this month (7 March), gaining valuable information on job prospects and courses to launch their careers in the health industry.

The day was organised by UOW Southern Highlands and TAFE NSW in collaboration with the Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) program within Training Services NSW. Seventy students experienced different career options with the program designed to develop strong connections between employers and schools.

The students rotated through a series of interactive workshops covering nursing, allied health, aged care, dental health, fitness, and sports science. The sessions were conducted by TAFE teachers and student mentors from both UOW and TAFE.

The students were in Years 10 to 12 from Bowral, Moss Vale, Goulburn and Mulwaree High Schools, Oxley College, Southern Highlands Christian School, and Chevalier College. After the workshops, students met with industry representatives in a mini careers fair with local employers. 

The event was fun and informative for the students, who loved learning from the friendly and knowledgeable facilitators.

A student from Goulburn High School said “there were many different fields to explore and lots of information on how to get into certain fields and the qualifications needed.”

UOW Southern Highlands Campus Manager Stephen Lowe said that after the success of the inaugural event last year, the day was expanded to include more schools and a greater range of careers in allied health.

“There was a new workshop delivered by UOW students, which focussed on biomechanics and opportunities in sport and exercise science. That workshop was particularly energetic,” Mr Lowe said. “It was fantastic to see the students so engaged and excited about their potential careers in the health industry.”

Chevalier College Careers Facilitator Donna Murchie said that the event provided invaluable opportunities by “bringing together local, industries, and educational institutions, allowing students to explore diverse career paths, connect with employers, and gain insights into regional job markets”.

Hannah Boyers, Head Teacher Careers, Educational Pathways Program for the Southern Highlands, said it was wonderful to see how the event had expanded from last year.

“There were more health occupations for students to explore and experience. It was also interesting to listen to students engage with the employers and training providers - they had some great questions,” Ms Boyers said.

UOW Southern Highlands and TAFE NSW are planning further events showcasing other industries. For further information contact Stephen Lowe (slowe@uow.edu.au) or Michelle Pontello michelle.pontello4@tafensw.edu.au