At Bendigo Tech School, we believe early exposure to career pathways is essential in shaping the future workforce of our community, especially in fast-growing, continually evolving industries such as healthcare.

Building on the successes of our existing Allied Health and Medical Clinical Immersion Days, we have developed Exploring Health Careers, designed specifically to offer Year 7 and 8 students an exciting, hands-on introduction to the many pathways within the healthcare industry.

Piloted yesterday to celebrate Thank A First Responder Day, 60 students from four local schools rotated through a series of interactive experiences, including simulated patient care, diagnostics, and emergency response. Students also had the opportunity to explore the links between fitness, wellbeing, and mental health through a high-energy cardio boxing session led by Gurri Wanyarra's Mick Ewart.

The final rotation featured the VIC VICE virtual reality headsets, with students immersing themselves in the lives of workers in various health-related industries, from dentistry and remedial massage to aged care and disability services.

Students then toured the La Trobe Rural Health School with Nursing and Midwifery student Jade, getting a glimpse into their future study options and the rewarding health careers that can begin close to home.

To wrap up the day, students put their newly developed skills to the test in an energetic school-versus-school Kahoot quiz and CPR race, with Girton Grammar School taking the top spot for demonstrating the most accurate answers and techniques.

Thank you to the Goldfields LLEN for partnering with us to deliver this event. We look forward to continuing to grow this program to foster early career aspirations and inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals across our region.