For more information or support with evidencing your Aboriginality please contact Aboriginal Workforce on 02 9767 5435.
On
Aboriginal Traineeship Program
We know that growing and developing a highly skilled Aboriginal workforce is a powerful way to impact the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal communities. This also ensures that the care and services provided are culturally centred.
About the Program
Dyi Bulbuwul Ngia Djurali – In Strength We Grow
Aboriginal Workforce Action Plan, 2023-28
The Sydney Local Health District Aboriginal Traineeship Program provides both employment and education opportunities for members of our Aboriginal communities. The Program aims to support the District's Aboriginal workforce. By 2028, Sydney Local Health District aims to have 3.43 per cent Aboriginal workforce participation and 3 per cent representation across all salary bands.
It is a two year program where participants are employed in roles relevant to the qualifications they are completing. The program is designed for trainees to complete their qualification within the first year (12 months), with a focus on consolidating their skills in the workplace throughout their second year (12 months).
Qualifications
We currently offer three qualifications:
- Certificate III in Health Services Assistance
- Certificate III in Health Administration
- Certificate II in Health Support Services (Cleaning)
Trainees will attend six study blocks (or eight study blocks for the Certificate III in Health Services Assistance) throughout the year (1 week duration each) as well as one study day (eight hours) per month.
The assessment activities that you undertake as part of your qualification are varied. They may include:
- Written assessments
- Short answer questions
- Practical assessments
- Observations
All of the assessment activities relate directly to the qualification that you are completing and to your workplace.
Entry and Eligibility Requirements
There is one intake per year for this program. Please contact us for more information about the next intake date.
Participants must meet the following program entry and eligibility requirements:
| Online application | Complete an online application via I Work for NSW – a link will be provided by the Aboriginal Job Network or Sydney Education. |
|---|---|
| Interview | All applicants will attend an interview prior to being appointed as trainee. Part of this interview process will include completing a Language Literacy and Numeracy assessment. This is to ensure that we have a good understanding of your learning needs and that we can provide you with adequate support for your development. A decision to appoint will take into consideration the application, interview and Language Literacy and Numeracy needs. |
| Proof of Aboriginality | To be eligible to participate in the Aboriginal Traineeship Program all applicants must provide proof of their Aboriginality. |
| NSW Health Requirements |
Applicants must:
|
Trainee Support
We want to ensure that you have all the support that you need to be successful both in the qualification and in the workplace. As part of the traineeship program you will receive support from:
- Sydney Education, Sydney Local Health District
- Aboriginal Workforce Services, Sydney Local Health District
- Aboriginal Health Unit, Sydney Local Health District
Sydney Education is committed to supporting the District in closing the gap through education programs and employment opportunities that engage our Aboriginal staff and communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
As a trainee you are employed under a two-year contract with Sydney Local Health District. Once you have completed your qualification, you are able to apply for relevant positions within the District.
The majority of trainees who successfully complete their qualification transition to permanent employment within the District.
There are many benefits of being an employee of Sydney Local Health District.
As an employee you will have access to:
- Salary packaging
- Novated leasing
- Fitness passport
- Staff gyms (Royal Prince Alfred and Concord Hospitals)
- Sydney Education courses and programs
To find out more visit Working with Us or contact the Sydney Education team for details.
The program has a two-year duration with the qualification being undertaken in the first 12 months of the program. Some trainees do require longer to complete their qualification, this is negotiated on an individual basis.
There are a number of assessment activities that trainees need to undertake as part of their qualification. These assessment activities can include workplace activities, written assignments and tests. Trainees have multiple attempts to complete assessment activities and will be given support from the education team to ensure that they are able to pass all assessment activities.
No, you do not choose specifically where you work. On interview we will ask about your preferred facility for employment, and we will aim to meet this need. We make the decision based on your information and your transport requirements.
To identify as Aboriginal is not just about the physical wellbeing of an individual but refers to the social, emotional and cultural wellbeing of the whole community. Sydney Local Health District uses the Aboriginal Three Point Identification social definition:
- Descent – the individual identifies which parent/parents are of Aboriginal descent
- Self-identification – the individual identifies as an Aboriginal
- Community Recognition – the individual is accepted as such by the Aboriginal community in which they belong or live or work.