More than 70 local school students from across Latrobe City, Baw Baw, Wellington, South Gippsland and Bass Coast shires took part in a health camp recently, exploring different options and pathways for a career in Gippsland’s health sector.
The Local Learning & Employment Network (LLEN), together with local business and health organisations, supported the two-day event by facilitating walk-throughs of hospitals and clinics and mentoring students with some of Gippsland’s health industry professionals.
Latrobe Health Services chief executive, Ian Whitehead, Gippsland’s not-for-profit health insurer and owner of Maryvale Private Hospital, said ongoing challenges in recruitment and retention of health professionals in Gippsland means engagement with local students is essential for the future of the health care workforce in Gippsland.
“Gippsland is not immune to the workforce shortages of health care professionals we see more broadly across many regional communities,” he said.
“Engaging with the students in our region today and supporting them to take up careers and options locally is an important step for developing our workforce.”
LLEN Health Camp organiser, Lisa Price said it is not always easy for students to be able to undertake a work placement in a health setting, so the health camp provided students with a mix of hands-on activities, industry visits and the opportunity to engage with health professionals over dinner.
“Our current focus is to strengthen the connection between schools and industry to help students develop a pathway from school into further study or employment.
“We know that there is currently, and will be into the future, strong interest for people to work in the health sector across a variety of roles which is what we wanted to nurture,” she said.
“Having a locally grown workforce means that people are more likely to stay in the region and so encouraging students to see opportunities for careers locally is very important.”
The health camp is a partnership between the Baw Baw Latrobe LLEN, Federation University and TAFE Gippsland and is sponsored by Latrobe Health Assembly, West Gippsland Healthcare Group, Latrobe Health Services, Latrobe Valley Authority, Gippsland Primary Health Network, Monash Rural Health and Rural Workforce Agency Victoria.
Latrobe Regional Hospital, West Gippsland Hospital, Maryvale Private Hospital, Dalkeith Gardens Ages Care, Heritage Manor Aged Care, Fairview Village Aged Care and Ambulance Victoria hosted students as part of the industry visits.
