The University of Canberra (UC) has launched a new Academy to enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students to gain industry qualifications through a school-based traineeship.
Pro Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous at UC, Peter Radoll (pictured) said the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Academy ACT was a partnership with Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA), a national, not-for-profit member-based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Allied Health workforce organisation.
Professor Radoll said the Academy would support students to complete a Certificate Three in Allied Health and provided a pathway into a range of UC’s health courses as well as other study and employment opportunities in the industry.
“This training will equip students with the skills and background they need to follow their chosen pathways – an opportunity they may not otherwise receive,” Professor Radoll said.
“The model of training provided to students will be community-led, and tailored to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students,” he said.
“Students are expected to graduate with work readiness and enhanced employability skills.”
Professor Radoll said the model would ensure training and education was delivered in a way that embedded the centrality of culture and a holistic approach to health, as well as the technical capabilities associated with health and wellbeing professional practices.
“Enabling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to experience the healthcare profession can provide career pathways into an industry they may not have considered,” the Pro Vice-Chancellor said.
