A new traineeship has been established to support Aboriginal Health Practitioners prepare for their vital role helping to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Following an application from the Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia (AHCSA), the Training and Skills Commission (TaSC) has declared the Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice a vocation, allowing the course to be delivered through a paid traineeship model for the first time.
Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni says offering the qualification through an extensive two-year traineeship program advantages students, employers and patients.
“Traineeships and apprenticeships provide job seekers with a paid pathway to the skills, workplace experience and qualifications they need to establish meaningful careers,” Minister Pisoni said.
“The Marshall Liberal Government recognises this hands-on training model elevates motivated job seekers into capable employees and helps match growing industry demand for skilled workers – which is why our Skilling South Australia initiative aims to create more than 20,000 additional apprenticeships and traineeships over four years.
“The Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice includes more than 800 hours of on-job practice – making it easier for students to build workplace confidence and master clinical skills.
“This change will support job creation, skill development, and a higher quality of tailored health services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
Chair of the TaSC, Michael Boyce OAM, said elevating the Aboriginal Primary Health Care Practice course to a paid traineeship is a good example of how the training system can adapt and improve on the advice of industry.
“A modern training system must be flexible and able to quickly respond to industry demand,” Mr Boyce said.
“Through the Industry Skills Councils, the TaSC will continue to ensure government investment into our training sector best aligns with workforce demand and real job outcomes.”
Australian Health Council of South Australia CEO Nahtanha Davey said offering new traineeships pathways will enable the organisation to develop the next generation of upcoming Aboriginal Health Practitioners.
“Our commitment is to invest in making our health system culturally safe and appropriately responsive for our Aboriginal communities,” she said.
“This involves full and ongoing participation by Aboriginal people and organisations in all levels of decision making affecting their health needs.”
