Twenty-nine trainees from across Western NSW Local Health District have proudly marked the completion of their studies at a graduation ceremony in Dubbo, stepping into the next stage of their careers in healthcare.
Seventeen trainees, including seven Aboriginal trainees, graduated from the Adult Traineeships program, which offers opportunities to earn a qualification while gaining hands-on experience in a range of different disciplines, including Health Service Assistance.
A dozen Year 11 and 12 students also completed their School-Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SBAT) studies, including seven Aboriginal trainees funded by the NSW Government's Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grant.
Delivered in partnership with the Department of Education, the SBAT program provides students the chance to earn an industry-recognised qualification, working 100 days of paid work experience over two years while studying as part of their Higher School Certificate.
Trainees graduated with qualifications in a range of disciplines, including Human Resources Management, Cookery, Dental Assisting and Business Administration, which have all been offered for the first time this year.
For more information on WNSWLHD's scholarship, traineeship, and cadetship programs visit the WNSWLHD website
Quotes attributable to Regional Health Minister Ryan Park:
"I never fail to be impressed by all the trainees across our health system. No matter your age or background, completing study while also working takes incredible dedication and drive, not to mention excellent time management.
"I wholeheartedly congratulate all 29 trainees from Western NSW who have graduated this year, and I'm thrilled to see so many completing studies in disciplines offered for the very first time in 2025.
"These programs provide wonderful opportunities for people in our regional communities to kick-start their careers, whether that be by moving directly into employment, undertaking further training or heading to university."
Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Dubbo Stephen Lawrence
"I offer my sincere congratulations to all of Western NSW Local Health District's graduates and wish them all the very best. These qualifications will open up a great number of opportunities for these graduates, and they should all be very proud of themselves.
"These courses and programs don't just help to create industry-ready graduates, they also provide pathways into early entry at university. I'm certain as their careers develop, they will have a huge impact on their communities."
Quotes attributable to WNSWLHD Executive Director of People and Culture Sandra Duff:
"We're so delighted to be able to offer this kind of opportunity to people in our communities. This year's group of graduates are from all corners of the District have different backgrounds and bring an incredible range of life experience.
"We have graduates from major centres like Bathurst, Orange and Dubbo, but importantly well over half of this year's group are from smaller towns in regions like Dunedoo, Walgett, Molong, Nyngan and Goodooga.
"Along with our senior school students we also have graduates of all ages in our Adult Traineeship program. Their dedication and commitment has been incredible, we can't congratulate them enough.
"I'm also really thrilled to see the vast majority of our graduates have either indicated they would like to continue working in our Local Health District or have already been directly appointed to roles. Several are also now planning to further their studies, many at university, primarily in nursing."
