Rural
Molly gets hands on experience at being a Health Hero

Hennessy Catholic College student Molly Smithers joined with fellow high school students from across the region for an introduction to a career in allied health and nursing through the 'Be a Health Hero' program.

The program is targeted at Year 10 students who may be considering a career in health, giving them the opportunity to explore the different roles available, and get some hands-on experience in a healthcare environment.

The four-day immersive program is coordinated and funded by Training Services NSW under the Regional Industry Education Partnership (RIEP) Program and delivered in partnership with Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD), the College of Nurse Education and Training Australia (NETA) and Charles Sturt University Three Rivers Department of Rural Health (DRH).

Molly said she enjoyed the program and finding out more about the range of careers available in health care and the different pathways for work and study.

"I have always wanted to do nursing and midwifery and after this program I'm open to other ideas as well," Molly said.

"My favourite part of the program was spending time at Wagga Base Hospital, meeting people who work here and seeing all the different parts of the hospital."

MLHD District Education and Trainee Support Officer, Laura Strano said the District's staff were keen to be involved and share their stories.

"As part of the program, students are also introduced to healthcare workers to hear about their career journeys into health and their passion for the industry," Laura said.

"The program is giving students valuable, hands-on experiences and providing them with a meaningful and informative view on future career pathways available to them."

The program will be run four times this year, catering for students from schools across the Riverina region.

Training Services NSW senior project officer Stacey Suidgeest said the program provides another opportunity for students outside of the typical work experience model.