North West Hospital and Health Service (HHS) is pleased to announce the successful launch of its inaugural Deadly Start program for 2023.

This unique initiative aims to provide culturally safe pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students to gain paid workplace experience, obtain a Certificate II and Certificate III qualification, and secure ongoing employment with North West HHS upon the successful completion of their traineeships.

The program is in partnership with Metro North HHS, Connect ‘n’ Grow, and the Seed Foundation Australia to ensure the students are set up for success and ultimately continue a career in healthcare.

Under the portfolio of Executive Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, Christine Mann, the HHS welcomed eight students from Spinifex Senior College into the program earlier this year, supported by their school-based liaison officer and North West HHS Indigenous Workforce Coordinator, Shannon McConachy.

"The Deadly Start program is an integral part of our commitment to building a future workforce that is representative, culturally competent, and focused on improving health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who still persistently experience poorer health than other community members," Ms. Mann said.

"We are excited to see these students develop their skills, knowledge and confidence as they move into their Certificate III studies, and we look forward to offering them ongoing employment opportunities within North West HHS.”

The students from Mount Isa, Doomadgee, Dajarra and Normanton have been undertaking their Certificate II in Health Support Services and have recently completed all three block placements.

The students have been learning foundational knowledge and stills to prepare them for a traineeship and have developed important relationships with key hospital and health service staff to ensure a seamless transition into the workforce.

The students are on track to commence their Certificate III in either Health Services Administration, Allied Health Assistance or Dental Assistance, where they will undertake one day of on-the-job training per week with North West HHS.

"We are confident that these young individuals will emerge as exceptional professionals in their chosen fields, bringing their newfound skills and expertise back to their respective communities,” Ms. Mann said.

Prue Pocock, Head of Department for Senior Schooling at Spinifex Senior College said the program was a fantastic opportunity for students in the region.

“The program has provided an excellent pathway and future career options for our First Nations students interested in the health sector. Spinifex State College has been delighted to partner with North West HHS and we look forward to continuing to provide these opportunities in the future,” Ms. Pocock said.

North West HHS is committed to creating opportunities for the next generation and are proud to support these students as they progress their careers.