23 May 2022
Training provider ANMEC is optimistic it can attract more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, following strong interest at this week’s Aboriginal Career Exploration (ACE) Expo.
Course manager Kylie Cakau said there was ‘absolutely’ potential to grow enrolment numbers through engagement at events like the expo at Lightsview on Monday.
“Over the last four years we might have had three or four ATSI students per year that have been enrolled in the VET in schools program via their mainstream school,” Ms Cakau said.
“ANMEC has recently worked in partnership with SALHN to transition ATSI students from Certificate III Individual support into the Diploma of Nursing course.
“It is about having conversations with schools about the type of additional support that could be provided to ensure students can succeed, but to also provide career advice into health care pathways that may be available.
“That could be providing more support, more school support, having further conversations. It can absolutely open up some more doors for us and give those students pathways.”
The Lights Community and Sports Centre expo provided career pathway information to around 400 Year 10 - Year 12 students from both metropolitan and regional schools.
Ms Cakau said the event allowed ANMEC to share the health care pathways available …… including the opportunity to study a Certificate III in Individual support through the VET in schools program.
For people that may not have had the opportunity to study as part of the VET in schools program, ANMEC has created a school leavers course for those students completing year 12 to step straight into, which is providing a further pathway option.
“The VET in schools program sees students attend ANMEC one day per week to achieve their qualification by November of that year. It provides the students with a taster into the health care sector. The qualification enables them to gain employment in aged care, disability or the community care industry. Many of ANMEC'S current students remain employed in these sectors whilst pursuing further academic health pathways,” Ms Cakau explains.
Ms Cakau said having an interactive component at the expo such as CPR or taking blood pressure readings initiates further conversations with the ANMEC Educators about career pathways & opportunities. Participating students enjoy having a go, practicing CPR and hearing the pulse of their blood through a reading.
ANMF (SA Branch) CEO/Secretary Adj Associate Professor Elizabeth Dabars AM attended the expo on Monday.
“The ANMEC team were fantastic in explaining the career pathways available within the health sector and I was impressed by the students' questions and enthusiasm to learn more,” Ms Dabars.
“Hopefully we will see some of the young people we met today become nurses, midwives or care workers in the near future.”