Elly Mackay
28 May 2021: In partnership with Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA), the University of Canberra has launched the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Academy ACT in an event on campus today.
The partnership, aimed at creating pathways to health and wellbeing careers, will enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students to gain industry qualifications through a school-based traineeship.
Through the academy, ACT students in Years 11 and 12 will be supported to complete a Certificate Three in Allied Health, enabling them to gain entry into a range of the University’s health courses as well as other study and employment opportunities in the industry.
“By partnering with IAHA, the University hopes to create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students hoping to pursue a course of study in the health industry,” University of Canberra Pro Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous, Professor Peter Radoll said.
“This training will equip students with the skills and background they need to follow their chosen pathways – an opportunity they may not otherwise receive.”
The model of training provided to students will be community-led, and tailored to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Students are expected to graduate with work readiness and enhanced employability skills.
The model is designed to ensure training and education is delivered in a way that embeds the centrality of culture and a holistic approach to health, as well as developing the technical capabilities associated with health and wellbeing professional practices.
“Enabling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to experience the healthcare profession can provide career pathways into an industry they may not have considered,” Professor Radoll said.
IAHA is a national, not-for-profit member-based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Allied Health workforce organisation.
