An initiative to better equip nurses and teachers entering their professions is being launched on October 19 by the University of New England Tamworth.
Called RaPT – representing the program’s aim of creating “resilient and powerful transformation” in its participants – the initiative will provide tailored support for UNE students during their studies, while building a sense of community intended to support graduates when they are in the workforce.
“Teachers and nurses are the largest cohorts of students studying at UNE from the Tamworth region,” said UNE Tamworth and Regions Senior Manager, Catherine Lees.
“These are tough but absolutely essential professions. We don’t have enough teachers and nurses entering these fields, and meanwhile we are losing many of those already in the workforce because they are burned out by the conditions they encounter.”
“These issues are particularly acute in regional areas. We want students who invest in a UNE education to stay here in the regions, and to flourish in their professions. That’s why we developed the RaPT program.”
“RaPT is built on the belief that by investing in our students and building a local learning community around them, they are more likely to stay in their professions and stay local.”
RaPT was created in consultation with UNE academics, industry professionals and the Tamworth community. It will provide UNE Tamworth students with personalised academic support and a “social infrastructure” of mentors that leverages the expertise of retired professionals from all walks of life.
A UNE Tamworth survey of nursing and education students has already identified areas where students feel they need assistance. UNE Tamworth Academic Skills Coordinator, Beth Boland, and experienced local educators and professionals will help students with these requirements, which include essay writing, research skills and referencing.
“We know from student feedback that Tamworth students’ primary need is for mentorship and connection,” says UNE’s Director, Place Based Education and Research, Associate Professor Melanie Fillios.
“RaPT will provide a supportive network that will both help keep students in study and better prepare them for the workforce. This is a model we would eventually like to extend to all Tamworth regional students.”
Ms Lees observes that the mentor network will also give students advance insight into life on the ground in the nursing and education fields.
“These connections will not only inform students’ learning experiences, but potentially lead them to future employment and career opportunities.”
The RaPT initiative has been welcomed by Lisa McMahon, manager of Projects Growth & Prosperity within Tamworth Regional Council.
Ms McMahon led the Namoi Regional Workforce Strategy consultations in which it was identified that an industry-focused welcome and support service was key to attracting and retaining health and education professionals.
“It is about building relationships that help independent access to advice, and a genuine connection to the local community,” Ms McMahon said.
“This UNE initiative is an exciting opportunity to put these ideas into practice for our region’s new teachers and nurses. It addresses a real need and supports local residents to help shape the success of our region.”
RaPT will be launched at UNE Tamworth, 24 Fitzroy St, Tamworth at 5pm on Thursday 19th October.
The event is open to all, but Cath Lees would especially welcome conversations with potential stakeholders – UNE and TAFE students, and prospective mentors and businesses who may be interested in supporting the program.
The event’s keynote address, Unbreakable Spirits: Finding the Path to Excellence, will by delivered by Tommy Pulleine and Melissa Harries of Mindset Training. They will delve into the power of resilience, how to overcome challenges, adapt to change, and thrive in adversity.
“Sticking at it for the long haul in professions like nursing and education takes grit,” Ms Lees says. “RaPT aims to provide the wrap-around support necessary to cultivate that grit.”
