The newly opened Mater Health Hub in Springfield is giving high school students from Springfield and surrounding Ipswich areas a head start on their health care careers. Students can now gain nationally recognised qualifications in health support and assistance right in their local community.
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Mater Education has expanded its renowned Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) program to the Springfield hub to help meet substantial growth in demand for qualified healthcare workers in the booming region.
This year, a record enrollment of over 630 students makes this the largest cohort in Mater’s history. From years 10 to 12, students undertake certificates at the state-of-the-art simulation center, graduating job-ready years before completing high school.
Schools participating in the program at Mater Health Hub, Springfield include:
- Brisbane School of Distance Education
- Bremer State High School
- Emmaus College
- Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School
- Ipswich State High School
- St Mary’s College, Ipswich
- St Peter’s Lutheran College, Springfield
- The Springfield Anglican College
- West Moreton Anglican College
- Westside Christian College
- YMCA Vocational School
Fueling the training push is the impending 2026 opening of the Mater Hospital Springfield Stage 2 – set to make healthcare one of the major local industries and employers.
Toni-Maree Henaway, Mater Education’s Director of Learning and Development, said the new Springfield facilities demonstrate Mater’s commitment to developing the region’s future healthcare workforce. Students can now rapidly gain qualifications, with the Certificate II course fully subsidized to be completed part-time alongside school in just two terms.
“Mater Education remains committed to training future healthcare heroes in Springfield, and our VETiS program provides local high school students the opportunity to pursue their dream career while they are still at high school,” Ms Henaway said.
Those completing the Certificate II also have the option to continue with the Certificate III during a discounted 10-week school break stint, made affordable for families through government funding.
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Students interested in getting a head-start in jobs from patient care to admin roles can inquire about the VETiS program at their high school.
Published 27-February-2024
