Pathways & Career Programs
We provide pathways into health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at every stage, from high school students exploring careers, to school leavers and mature-age applicants starting their journey, and university students gaining practical experience and professional development.
Aboriginal Traineeship Program
The Aboriginal Traineeship Program provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members with a 12-month, full-time paid traineeship while completing a Certificate III or IV qualification. The program helps participants gain practical experience, develop workplace skills, and explore health career pathways across South Western Sydney Local Health District.
Trainees can work at:
- Hospitals: Campbelltown, Liverpool, Bankstown-Lidcombe, Bowral & District, Fairfield
- Community Services: Population Health, Oral Health, Mental Health, Primary & Community Health
During the program, trainees have the opportunity to:
- Earn while you learn with paid study time included
- Receive culturally safe mentoring and support
- Explore career pathways across the District
Eligibility criteria:
- Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Aged 16 years or older
- Available to work 38 hours per week
- Committed to attending TAFE one day per week
- No prior experience required - just a willingness to learn and grow
Applications are open for two intakes per year, with information sessions held across South Western Sydney during the application phase.
Email the Aboriginal Workforce Team to express your interest or learn more.
Aboriginal Traineeship Program
The School-Based Aboriginal Traineeship Program provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students in Years 11 and 12 with practical experience in Health care roles, helping them explore health careers and develop workplace skills. The next intake will be in 2027.
During the program, students have the opportunity to:
- Obtain a Certificate III in an area relevant to Health care
- Complete 100 days paid work placement across hospital and/ or community health teams
- Access cultural mentoring
- Pathways to explore ongoing employment within the district after program completion
Email the Aboriginal Workforce Team to express your interest or receive updates about the program.
Aboriginal Cadetship Program
Aboriginal Cadetships are available to full-time undergraduate students in Allied Health, Nursing, or Midwifery, at any year of study. The program supports students to gain practical skills and experience in public hospital and community health environments, helping them build a pathway into health careers.
Key Benefits:
- Study allowance: $600 per fortnight for 40 weeks of study
- Support allowance: $500 per semester
- Paid employment: 12 weeks as an Allied Health Assistant or Nursing/Midwifery cadet in hospital and community health settings
- Mentoring & support: Guidance from an Aboriginal mentor, cadet coordinator, and clinical support staff
- Career pathways: Possibility of ongoing employment after successfully completing your studies and the program
Program Details:
- Allied Health Cadetships: First-year students start their placement in the second semester. Open to students looking to progress into Allied Health roles.
- Nursing & Midwifery Cadetships: Applications open each year between Dec - Feb. Open to students looking to progress into Nursing or Midwifery roles.
Find out more about the Cadetship Programs:
- NSW Health Aboriginal Allied Health Cadetship Program - Click here
- NSW Health Aboriginal Nursing & Midwifery Cadetship Program - Click here
Email the Aboriginal Workforce Team to express your interest or learn more - SWSLHD-AboriginalWorkforce@Health.nsw.gov.au
