Did you know that more than 60 people have been placed into local jobs through our apprenticeship programme in just the last year? 

Both younger people and those seeking a change of career have been employed as Health Care Assistants (HCAs) in a variety of roles across the district. These new recruits quickly become valuable members of our health care teams as they assist with patient care and are an essential part of the patient journey. HCAs in apprenticeship programmes are a practical and appealing first step into healthcare.  

Corrina Baker (Registered nurse Te Waka Hauora), Jodi Miller (Associate Director of Nursing (ADON) Workforce Development), Annie Egan (Pharmacist), Jason Nicholls (Workforce Development Facilitator, Allied Health Scientific & Technical), Kirsten Mirfin (Team Leader, Nelson Occupational Therapy) and Andrew Callander (Apprenticeship, Schools & Tertiary Recruiter).

With this in mind, a team of enthusiastic Te Whatu Ora staff went to the September career fair at Motueka High School to promote health care as a career option to senior students. There was a positive buzz as students and parents met our team of nurses, pharmacists, occupational therapists, and allied health professionals. 

With the wide representation from nursing and allied health professions we were able respond to specific questions from the students and give an inside look at what various roles in healthcare involve. 

Some identified the cost and time involved in tertiary study, along with potentially having to travel away from the region, as barriers to them committing to health careers. Consequently, there was a lot of interest in the entry level, assistant or apprenticeship roles available through Te Whatu Ora. 

Andrew Callander, the Apprenticeship, Schools & Tertiary Recruiter, expressed that the HCA role is a great way to pursue a career in health. HCA apprentices can work toward a health care qualification through on-the-job training in self-directed tertiary level study, all while earning an income, living locally and not incurring a large student loan.  

The HCA apprenticeship programme also opens the pathway to higher-level roles in nursing, midwifery, and social work—without having to commit to these study paths until ready. The apprenticeship programme provides the practical experience and a clearer picture that can make the decision to commit to further study a simpler one. 

To learn more about career pathways into being a Health Care Assistant, a nurse, a social worker, or a midwife click here to download the Career Pathways Flyer.