Exploring work opportunities in the health sector, local students recently participated in the 2023 Allied Health ‘Come and Try Day’ —  with the event hailed a success by participants. 

Held last Thursday at the Bendigo Tech School, the program brought health and education providers together to deliver a hands on industry experience for  Year 9, 10 and 11 students considering a career in healthcare — with participants coming from various schools in the region including Maryborough’s Highview College.

The event was organised in partnership between the Goldfields Local Learning and Employment Network (Goldfields LLEN), Bendigo Tech School, Bendigo Health, La Trobe Rural Health School, Bendigo Kangan TAFE, allied health practitioners and local schools.

Highview College student, Talan said there were a range of activities students could participate in.

“It was an amazing experience to open up my eyes to what the different fields in the work force are about,” he said.

“Some of the different things we learnt were about speech therapy, social work and spiritual care, physiotherapy and exercise physiology, podiatry and radiology.

“Overall I highly recommend taking the opportunity if you get it.”

Fellow student Kayleigh also echoed the sentiment.

“It was a really fun and engaging experience and it taught me many skills I can use in my preparation for university and my job in the future,” she said.

Goldfields LLEN  executive officer Dave Burton said it was an exciting opportunity aimed at immersing young people in allied health creatively.

“The healthcare and social assistance industry is not only the largest industry in our region, but also experiencing the most significant ongoing growth,” he said.

“Health services are at capacity in their ability to provide placements and work experience. This provides a unique opportunity for the Allied Health ‘Come and Try Day’ to engage young people in the industry without the significant impost on industry resources. 

“It is fantastic to see this initiative continue to grow in reach and impact for our local young people interested in allied health.”