Launch Your Hospital Career Students Moving on to Jobs
The inaugural Launch Your Hospital Career program has achieved remarkable success, with twelve out of thirteen participants graduating. This milestone marks significant progress in their journeys, with many securing employments in the healthcare sector or pursuing further studies.
The cohort consisted of a dynamic mix of individuals from various walks of life. Among them were stay-at-home parents eager to re-enter the workforce, individuals juggling casual employment while chasing their dreams of a stable career, and recent migrants to the region. Their varied experiences and shared determination highlight the inclusive and supportive nature of the program.
Graduates celebrated their achievements alongside the program partners at a heartwarming graduation event. This pilot program was created by a mutual partnership between the West Gippsland Health Care Group (WGHG), ACFE Learn Local, Latrobe Community Health Service (LCHS), Warragul Community House, Jobfind, and Community College Gippsland (CCG) to tackle employment challenges in the West Gippsland region.
Designed specifically for individuals facing barriers to employment, such as lower literacy, language, and numeracy (LLN) skills, the program provided participants with practical knowledge and tailored support to succeed in securing entry-level career opportunities primarily at WGHG.
“We have witnessed the transformative power of education through this program,” said Dale Gemmell, CEO of Community College Gippsland. “It’s not just about providing training- it’s about empowering individuals to overcome barriers and find new opportunities. We’re thrilled to hear the success stories of our graduates and their newfound confidence to step into the healthcare workforce.”
Throughout the program, the participants’ perseverance and dedication were inspiring. One standout participant demonstrated extraordinary commitment, travelling over four hours daily using public transport, switching between buses and trains from Inverloch, Wonthaggi, and Morwell to Warragul. This determination has already paid off with a job offer at Wonthaggi Hospital, Bass Coast Health.
This program has already opened opportunities for graduates in roles across various healthcare facilities, with others in the process of securing employment at West Gippsland Healthcare Group, Warragul. Several are also considering further studies to enhance their career prospects in the healthcare and community services sectors.
“It has been a pleasure to be involved in this program and see participants grow in confidence and knowledge in just six weeks. As a valuable part of our workforce strategy, the program has connected us with people who are enthusiastic about upskilling and gaining employment in the healthcare industry. We wish all graduates success and hope to see many joining WGHG in future. We look forward to participating in this program again in 2025,” said Dan Weeks, CEO of WGHG.
Claudine Evans, ACFE Senior Project Officer-Gippsland stated, “This Just in Time funded ACFE project ticked all the boxes by attracting adult learners who were facing barriers to employment. The success of this initiative highlights the power of collaboration between industry, training organisations and job seekers. Working with our dedicated partners has created meaningful opportunities for learners and positive outcomes for everyone involved – a fantastic example of how teamwork drives success in Gippsland.”
Encouraged by the success of the pilot program, plans are underway to expand the program in 2025, providing more individuals with the opportunity to build meaningful careers in healthcare.