Summary
Sunshine Coast Careers in Health event inspire the next generation of healthcare workers.
Last week, we welcomed over 500 curious high school students from 28 schools and 300 community members to see what a career in healthcare looks like. This opportunity is part of the bigger picture for healthcare on the Sunshine Coast. Over the next decade, this region has projected clinical and non-clinical workforce demand to grow by 44%. Demand drivers include 23% of the current workforce will reach retirement age, increased population growth and new and expanding services and infrastructure.
This annual event marks the beginning of a vital journey. High school students’ step into the shoes of healthcare heroes for a day, watching a simulated emergency response unfold before their eyes and diving hands-on into exciting activities like suturing, trying their hand at blood tests and bone demonstrations, audiology, basic life support and so much more.
The learning didn’t stop there. Our buzzing expo gave students and community members the chance to ask the big questions and get real answers, capped off with an insightful career panel featuring experts from the University of the Sunshine Coast, Griffith University, TAFE Queensland, and Sunshine Coast Health.
SCHI Executive Director, Gemma Turato, emphasises that this opportunity “is really important to capture students at a young age. It gives them an experience to decide whether or not they want to enter into healthcare.”
Kim Harrison, Careers and Pathways Assistant at St John’s College Nambour mentioned, “The workshops and panel were incredibly informative, insightful, interesting, and interactive, and it was wonderful to see the students so engaged and immersed throughout the morning.”
“Having the external providers available to speak with students about different pathways was especially valuable. It gave students the opportunity to ask questions, explore future options, and gain a better understanding of the opportunities available to them.”
This event is no small feat with nearly 150 staff from our partners and supporters involved. Speaking of, a big thank-you to our supporters in Sunshine Coast Council, Queensland Ambulance Service, Country to Coast Primary Health Network, Study Sunshine Coast and Queensland University of Technology. Can't do it without you.
And there’s more to come—mark your calendars! A Non-Clinical Careers Evening is coming your way on Tuesday 28 July. To register this free online event and find out more head to the link.