Faith Lutheran College students are fast tracking into health careers with a unique school program

It’s a class like no other where students are learning skills that could save someone’s life.

Faith Lutheran College students Jade Reyland (providing CPR) and Daniella Gunn-Polye (watching on) practice CPR in the Faith Lutheran College Health Training Hub.

A Lockyer Valley high school has become the first gateway for students in the region to enter health and community services fields and industry through vocational education training.

Faith Lutheran College at Plainland was formally recognised as a gateway school for the health and community services industry following its partnership with Axiom College.

Axiom College is a leading provider of qualifications and certifications in the health sector.

The college identified Faith as the only secondary school in the area that offers school-based qualifications in health, nursing, and community services, allowing students direct entry to the workforce.

Faith students are guided by registered nurse and trainer and assessor, teacher Janelle Newton, who said having health career options for students starting in year 11 would open doors to traineeships and work experience.

It’s the second year Faith Lutheran College’s VET course has been offered to students, with year 11s studying a certificate II and year 12s a certificate III.

“Health is such a big area these days and there’s a growth in the interest in health careers,” Ms Newton said.

“Some students aren’t sure if they want to be nurses or allied health workers, but this program gives them an entry level into a job and has a number of benefits.”

Students opting for a university pathway are able to participate in the health VET course and gain an ATAR.

The students also secure their first aid certifications and CPR qualifications during the program.

Year 11 student Breanna Dunstan is studying the Cert II and has a goal to work as a registered nurse or as a midwife.

“Going through the certificate it opens up most of the health industries. You can go into nursing and go into bigger settings with further study,” she said.

Jake Stephen, who is in his final year, has always been interested in the health industry and also would like to become a registered nurse.

“The course is great because it teaches you stuff that you may need to use some day – like saving someone’s life, or CPR,” he said.

Fellow year 12 senior Angus North has his eyes on a mental health-type role or psychologist.

“There’s noting that I’ve really seen similar to this course. There’s no other class where you can take someone’s pulse or blood pressure,” he said.

Due to coronavirus, students were unable to participate in practical experiences last year, but they are hopeful to gain hands-on experiences this year.