The University of Wollongong has added new pathways to its regional healthcare traineeship, aiming to address workforce shortages in the Bega Valley, Eurobodalla and Snowy Monaro regions. Photo: UOW.
The University of Wollongong has added disability support and Indigenous pathways to its regional healthcare traineeship following a major funding boost from the Federal Government.
The pilot traineeships will be introduced to 45 sites across the Bega Valley, Eurobodalla and Snowy Monaro regions, with hopes of addressing critical workforce shortages in the sector.
The program builds on a four-year partnership between the University of Wollongong (UOW) and aged-care providers in Bega Valley and the Southern Highlands, which is now looking to expand training to the Snowy Monaro region.
With programs running in 2026 and 2027, enrolled students will need to complete a short course and a two-week paid placement before being able to apply for traineeships in disability support, aged care or Indigenous healthcare.
UOW regional campuses manager Samantha Avitaia said the program had been redefined to attract more people to the sector, while strengthening certain healthcare areas.
“We’re seeing significant workforce shortages across aged care, disability and Indigenous healthcare,” she said.
“This program is designed to bring new people into the sector — from school leavers to career changers — and support them to train and work locally, strengthening care for regional communities.
“This program offers flexibility, so participants might complete the short course and gain foundational skills, continue into paid work placements to explore different settings, or progress into a longer traineeship.
“Each stage includes an earn-and-learn component, which is especially valuable for regional students.”
UOW Southern Highlands student Dakota Yasso began her healthcare journey through a fee-free traineeship in 2023 while working in aged care. She has since completed the program and is now in her second year of Bachelor of Nursing studies at UOW.
“It was local, free and directly connected to my career goals, so enrolling was an easy decision,” Dakota said.
“The traineeship helped bring theory and practice together in my day-to-day role and opened the pathway towards becoming a registered nurse.”
Open to recent school leavers, healthcare workers seeking to upskill, career changers, and migrants and refugees (including funded places for non-permanent residents), the program also offers employers a free opportunity to train their staff.
Those interested in building a healthcare career through a traineeship can learn more and apply via the UOW College website here.
This program is supported by funding from the NSW Government under the NSW Smart & Skilled program. Applications close on 19 April.
