Students from Cohuna Secondary College embarked on an innovative 9-week project to address a critical community challenge: the recruitment of healthcare workers and the retention of young people in Cohuna. This project, conducted in partnership with the Campaspe Cohuna LLEN and the Cohuna District Hospital, offered students a unique hands-on work experience.
During the project, students engage in intensive group work experiences, Shadowing hospital staff to gain firsthand insights into various roles, career pathways, daily operations, and services within the Cohuna District Hospital.
This initiative supports their Vocational Major studies, focusing on enhancing literacy, numeracy, personal development, and work-related skills. A key component of this project involves community engagement. The project culminated in a highly successful launch event, held at the North District Community Health Centre, which drew strong community support. Forty-five attendees, including Councilors, School Leadership, fellow CCLLEN’s and community members from Cohuna and Kerang, participated in the event to celebrate the students' achievements.
The project had several key components:
Workplace Shadowing: Students were given the opportunity to shadow hospital staff, gaining firsthand insights into various roles, career pathways, daily operations, and services at the Cohuna District Hospital.
Signage Update: As part of their Vocational Major studies students updated hospital signage, with the hospital making their recommendation from the various options.
Career Pathway Brochures: After interviewing hospital staff about their career journeys, the students created a brochure showcasing local job opportunities.
Careers Session: The students benefited from a dedicated careers session supported by Cindy from the Skills and Jobs Centre, Bendigo TAFE, and Gina, the HR Officer at Cohuna District Hospital. This session provided valuable guidance on career opportunities within the healthcare sector.
Student Survey: To assess peer awareness of healthcare career options, the students will conduct a survey of their fellow students at Cohuna Secondary College. The findings will be shared with Cohuna District Hospital for future recruitment strategies. This collaborative project highlighted the value of community engagement in education, offering students a practical experience while helping to address an important issue in the local area.
Funding for this project was provided by the Australian and Victorian Governments, Council and the Gannawarra Community Resilience Committee.
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