COHUNA Secondary College students have completed a nine-week project aimed at improved recruitment of local health-care workers and the retention of young people in the town.
The project, in partnership with Campaspe Cohuna LLEN and Cohuna District Hospital, provided students with hands-on work experience while fulfilling the requirements of their vocational major studies.
The project included giving students opportunities to shadow hospital staff, gaining first-hand insights into roles, career pathways, daily operations and hospital services.
As part of their vocational studies students updated hospital signs, with the hospital making recommendation from the various options.
After interviewing hospital staff about their career journeys, the students created a brochure showcasing local job opportunities.
The students also had a dedicated careers session supported by Cindy Kusli of Bendigo TAFE Skills and Jobs Centre and human resources staff at Cohuna District Hospital. This session provided guidance on career opportunities in the health-care sector.
Students will conduct a survey of fellow students to assess their awareness of health-care career options.
The findings will be shared with the hospital for future recruitment strategies.
The college said the collaborative project highlighted the value of community engagement in education, offering students practical experience while helping address an important local issue.