Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District’s Koori Kids Futures work experience program continues to be a popular first step for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students keen to begin their careers in health.
Koori Kids Futures gives high school students an immersive experience of working in hospital and health care settings.
The latest cohort of ten Year 10 and 11 students recently completed the immersive three-day program where they enjoyed rotations across a variety of hospital and health services.
Throughout the week, students had the opportunity to experience clinical settings, talk to health professionals about their work and gain hands-on learning.
One of this year’s participants said, “It was one of the best experiences I’ve had. It has confirmed my passion for medicine and I fully intend to pursue a career in medicine.”
Another participant said, “The course was very helpful in assisting my learning and helping me decide what I can do in the future.”
Natalie Boncales, Acting Aboriginal Employment Coordinator, says that offering Koori Kids as a career pathway into Health remains an important part of our commitment to Closing the Gap.
“Koori Kids presents a great opportunity for students to really explore their passion for health, caring and medicine.”
“We’ve had a number of successes with Koori Kids over the years and we know it’s an excellent program that provides young Aboriginal people with a pathway into pursuing a career with our local health services.”
A total of 27 students took part in Koori Kids Futures in 2023.
