• Year 11 and 12 students from the Riverina attend the Eyes Wide Open Wagga Health Forum at Charles Sturt University

A future generation of potential health professionals converged at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga for the Eyes Wide Open Wagga Health Forum.

The Eyes Wide Open Health Forum is a collaboration between Charles Sturt, Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP), Wagga Careers Advisors, and the University of NSW.

Approximately 170 Year 11 and 12 students from Wagga Wagga, Coolamon, Cootamundra, Gundagai, Junee, Temora and Tumut were given insight into a career in health from professionals working in the numerous health care disciplines on Tuesday 5 April.

Students gained insight into careers in nursing, paramedicine, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, radiography, pathology, dentistry, medicine, social work, and pharmacy.

Students could attend up to three sessions, based on their areas of interest, with the most popular being paramedicine, nursing, and physiotherapy.

The sessions allowed Year 11 and 12 students to learn from university students enrolled in the degree, participate in hands-on activities, and ask questions of health professionals running the session.

Charles Sturt University’s Manager, Sales and Student Recruitment Mr Matthew Hof said the day was a fantastic opportunity for students to get hands-on experience and make contacts in the field they are interested in.

“The health forum has been a great first step in the students’ path to university,” he said.

“From here, they can attend Open Day or a campus tour to find out more about what being a university student is like.

“Events like these are a great way for students to find out more about what course is right for them as they start to submit applications for university.”

Mater Dei Catholic College Year 12 student Harry Holcroft said the day had been informative about potential careers in allied health.

“I now have an idea of where I want to head based on these sessions and talking to experienced people in the industry,” said Harry, who wants to pursue a career in occupational therapy or physiotherapy.

Wagga High School Year 11 student Curtis Spence said the sessions had confirmed what he already knew – that he wants to pursue a career in paramedicine.

“I now understand the different sorts of jobs out there and I’ve learned a lot more about paramedicine, which is what I want to do,” he said.

A NSW Government spokesperson said the RIEP program connects students with their future employment needs by creating partnerships between schools and industry.

“RIEP improves access to industry-validated career information and allows school students to participate in structured career activities with employers,” the spokesperson said.

“The RIEP program is supporting the Wagga Health Forum to ensure that local students are provided with information and opportunities to learn about careers in health.”