STUDENTS studying Certificate III Allied Health Assistance at the North Central Trade Training Centre have recently completed hands-on work experience at local health service providers as part of the School to Work Program facilitated by the North Central LLEN. 
Part of Structured Workplace Learning, the work placements were an opportunity for students to apply their knowledge in real-world healthcare settings where they could observe and actively participate in various aspects of allied health services. 
Boort District Health and Inglewood and Districts Health Service were among the six health providers where students  gained experience.
Careers and pathways team leader Jacinta Sutton said no two individuals were the same, “and their paths shouldn’t be either which is why these opportunities are so important”. 
“Gone are the days when a degree was the only ticket to success,” she said.
“Now, we’re seeing students explore vocational training, apprenticeships, and online courses -options that let them shape their own unique journey based on interests and strengths,” she said. 
School to work co-ordinator Mary-Ann Sait says this hands-on experience not only enhances their technical skills but also fosters teamwork and communication skills necessary for working in the Health industry.
“As we celebrate the achievements of these students, we also acknowledge that this would not be possible without the support of local health service organisations being willing to host them and provide quality learning opportunities,” she said. 
NCTTC Manager Natasha Saunders said it was fantastic to receive such strong support from local employers. 
“Having experiences in the workplace is such an important part of vocational education so that students can put the skills they have learnt in the classroom into practice in a real-world setting,” she said. 
“These opportunities would not have been possible without the enthusiasm of the local healthcare sector which is a large employer of young people across our region,” said Natasha.