A HEALTH hub learning precinct has been launched at Faith Lutheran College as part of an initiative with TAFE to support training for the health industry.
The launch comes as statistics indicate one in four new jobs over the next 20 years will be created in the health sector.
To address the demand, TAFE Queensland are working together with Faith Lutheran College to provide training and work experience for students.
TAFE Queensland’s executive director of school engagement Rod McShannon said this was the first of two health hubs that would be set up in the Redlands.
The other would be in a public school.
The health hub at Faith Lutheran was the second to be rolled out in Queensland.
Two Faith Lutheran students who have already embarked on training are doing a certificate 3 and spending one day a week working at Redland Hospital.
Grade 11 student Claudia Ould said she wanted to be a paramedic and the training enabled her to develop skills and get an insight into the health industry.
Amelia-Jane Stephenson, also a grade 11 student, said the course was a stepping stone towards a career as a midwife or nurse.
Head of senior school at Faith Lutheran Darren Pope said the health hub provided students with expensive medical equipment, which would also be accessible to the public.
Redlands MP Matt McEachan said the school’s initiative was important for the students and community.
“It’s a partnership we haven’t seen before between private education, TAFE and Queensland Health,” he said.
“To have local training and a pathway into Redlands Hospital is a fantastic initiative.”
Councillor Paul Golle said the partnership was exciting and supported Redland City Council’s attempts to keep adults in the 18 to 35-year-old age bracket in the Redlands.