There was an air of excitement and anticipation in the room at Mackay Base Hospital (MBH) last week as 10 students with big dreams took a step towards pursuing careers in the health sector.
The Budyubari Bidyiri Kebi Stapal (Big Dream, Small Steps) program 2023 cohort are beginning twelve-month school-based traineeships across selected departments of MBH which will equip them with a Certificate lll qualification in either Health Services Assistance, Allied Health Assistance or Dental Assistance.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Program Officer Emily Vanderwolf said the Year 11 students came from seven Mackay region high schools.
“We had nine students graduate from the first Big Dream Small Steps program last year and we are excited to have another 10 students who are wanting to take up this opportunity to complete Certificate III qualifications while they are finishing high school,” Ms Vanderwolf said.
“The aim of the program is to build our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce to better reflect the community we care for.”
There were also some proud family members on hand at Tuesday’s induction day.
Andrea Pinkard, whose daughter Lara graduated from last year’s program, felt it was a good career move for her son Fletcher.
“Fletcher’s older sister really enjoyed the program and she has now been accepted into James Cook University to study pharmacy,” Ms Pinkard said.
“I thought it would be a great program for Fletcher as well.”
Registered Nurse Vanessa Roberts promoted the idea to her daughter.
“I did encourage Bella to look at this because Queensland Health offers a lot of career options,” she said.
Natalie Takai, who was providing family support to Dominic Battersby, said his family were really happy with the traineeship plan.
“We’re so glad that Dom knows what he wants to do,” she said.
“Most kids this age have no idea what they want to do so we are encouraging him to go ahead.”
The 2023 Big Dream Small Steps trainees are, back from left, Dom Battersby (MCC), Fletcher Pinkard and Bella Roberts (Mirani SHS), Jess Maley (St Patricks College), Yasmin Johnston (Pioneer SHS), and front from left, Martia Gela (Sarina SHS), Macy Rudken (Mackay SHS), Tiani Walker (Mackay North SHS), Ellie Hansen (Mackay SHS) and Brenice’Sha Blanco (Sarina SHS)
