Released 29/11/2018
Local allied health students will soon have access to a cutting-edge simulated workspace environment at the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT), which will enable more students to undertake training to become Allied Health Assistants and help grow the ACT’s future health workforce.
Minister for Vocational Education and Skills Meegan Fitzharris said the Allied Health Authentic Simulated Workplace Environment would give students studying to become assistants in physiotherapy, occupational therapists, nutritionists and social workers access to practical training in a supportive environment.
“Through a collaborative project between CIT and Skills Canberra, I can announce today that $500,000 will go towards establishing the Allied Health Authentic Simulated Workspace Environment at CIT in Bruce, to open in 2019.
“With growing demand for people with skills in allied health, this project will help the ACT continue to deliver high quality training and position the Territory as a leader in this field,” Minister Fitzharris said.
“The ACT Government is committed to delivering quality vocational education and training, and ensuring we are providing students with modern training facilities that will give them a head start in the workforce.
“As demand on our healthcare system increases and models of care evolve, workforce demand for Allied Health Assistants is expected to rapidly increase.
“This facility will ensure the sustainability and work readiness of the health professional workforce here in Canberra well into the future, which of course will be a huge benefit to our patients and the community.
“As the primary trainer of Allied Health Assistants in the Canberra Region, CIT plays a vital role in delivering quality vocational education and training in this critical field.
“Our recent Health Research Summit, which involved CIT, made it clear that all parties would work together to improve education opportunities, which will lead to better health outcomes for Canberrans and people in the surrounding regions of NSW.
“We know practical experience is critical to students’ ability to successfully complete Allied Health qualifications, so by providing this environment in the classroom, students will be able to get their practical experience faster and get out into the workplace quicker,” said Minister Fitzharris.
This project will enable CIT to increase the number of students engaged in work-related training in the allied health sector, which will support the objectives of the National Partnership for the Skilling Australians Fund, signed earlier this year by the ACT Government.
The Skilling Australians Fund is a project-based National Partnership Agreement with the Commonwealth Government to meet the needs of industry and increase the number of apprentices and trainees.
- Statement ends -
Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases
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