Issue 14
May 2023

The Student Experience Grants are now open to all Health Gateway Schools. The grants support Health Gateway Schools in the development of health career activities, events and resources for their students, and to facilitate local industry and community engagement in line with the program's objectives. Health Gateway Schools are eligible to apply for grants of up to $500 per calendar year. CheckUP utilise SmartyGrants to manage the grant application and reporting process, with eligibility for funding to be determined by the Health Gateway project team in accordance with the approved Grant Guidelines.

To apply, schools are required to complete an application form, which will provide details of the proposed activity, target group and anticipated outcomes. Following delivery of the activity or event, schools will be required to submit a reporting form detailing outcomes and costs involved for each approved activity. 

If you have any questions or require further information, please get in touch with your relevant Health Gateway Schools Coordinator. 

As term 2 is in full swing, we are aware that our Health Gateway schools, like many across Queensland are preparing to host their career expos and events, providing students with a valuable opportunity to explore a range of future pathways. These expos are an excellent platform for students to learn about different career paths and industries, network with industry professionals, and gain a deeper understanding of the skills and qualifications required for various roles.

One of the various ways in which the Health Gateway assists with inspiring and preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals in Queensland is through supporting school career expos. The team also offers support to schools, through the provision of resources, expert advice, and connections to industry partners, enabling students to explore different career options in the health sector. 

With more than60 Health Gateway schools to support, the team are on the move quite a lot over the coming two terms. If you haven't already done so, contact your Health Gateway Coordinator to book them in for your upcoming events. We try our best to attend every event however some days we are completely booked out. To avoid any disappointment, get in early with your event details and book a member of the team (see contact list below).

• Wide Bay, Central Qld and Central West Queensland
  Cassie French - cfrench@checkup.org.au
• Brisbane North, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich and surrounds
  Kat Murray - kmurray@checkup.org.au 
• Townsville, Mackay and North West Queensland
  Brianna Delacour - bdelacour@checkup.org.au
• Cairns and Far North Queensland
  Melanie Sheridan - msheridan@checkup.org.au
• South West Queensland and Toowoomba
  Isabel Walker - iwalker@checkup.org.au
• Brisbane South and Gold Coast
  Sabrina Kerr - sabrinakerr@checkup.org.au

The Health Gateway team aim to support and inspire students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. One of the ways we do this is by engaging with industry partners to create opportunities for students to gain practical experience.

By making these connections with industry, the Health Gateway team will enable students to access traineeships, work experience, and industry exposure. This practical experience not only helps students to develop skills and knowledge but also provides a deeper understanding of the healthcare industry.

The Health Gateway team have met with various industry partners such as Metro North Health, St Vincent's Private Hospital, Gold Coast Health, Blue Care and Uniting Care, as well as many of the Health and Hospital Services throughout the state. Through these meetings a number of very exciting opportunities have arisen with pilot programs, potential traineeships, work experience opportunities, Q&A sessions and site visits for teachers and students all in the works. 

The Health Gateway team are committed to engaging with industry partners and through these connections, students will be better equipped to pursue their career goals and make a positive impact in the healthcare sector.

The Health Gateway program is excited to announce the development of a new Expression of Interest (EOI) form for students interested in undertaking work experience or a traineeship with any of our industry partners. This form has been created to simplify the process for students and schools interested in participating in the program.

The EOI form is easy to complete and provides all of the necessary information required for the team to connect students with industry partners. The form includes information about the student's studies, interests, and preferred work experience or traineeship opportunities.

The Health Gateway team will then use this information to identify suitable industry partners and connect students with opportunities that match their interests and skillsets. This process ensures that students have the best possible chance of securing work experience or a traineeship that aligns with their career aspirations.

The EOI form is available below and can be completed by students online. We encourage all students interested in gaining practical experience in the healthcare sector to complete the form and take advantage of this valuable opportunity.

The Health Gateway Program is pleased to welcome all of the new Health Gateway Schools to the initiative. We are excited to work with all of the new Health Gateway Schools and support their efforts to prepare students for successful careers in the healthcare industry. The program is continually growing and evolving, and we look forward to partnering with more schools in the future.

We are excited to announce the date for our upcoming third Health Gateway Forum, which will be held on 1 September 2023. This annual event brings together schools, industry partners, training bodies and students to explore the latest developments in health education and provide inspiration to the next generation of healthcare professionals.

The Health Gateway Forum is a unique opportunity for schools to connect with each other, industry partners and others and gain valuable insights into the healthcare industry. The event features a range of guest speakers, practical workshops, and networking opportunities for delegates.

Keep an eye out for further announcements regarding the program and registration.

In addition to the Health Gateway Forum we are thrilled to announce the inaugural Health Gateway Student Awards. The awards ceremony will be held during the Health Gateway Forum with special recognition and celebration of the outstanding achievements of students within the Health Gateway program. These awards aim to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and talent of students pursuing a future in the healthcare sector.

Award categories, criteria and nomination process will be announced shortly by the Health Gateway team. We encourage each of our Health Gateway schools to nominate at least one students undertaking a health qualification. 

Following the success of the 2022 Health Gateway Year book, we are delighted to invite Health Gateway Schools to submit articles for the 2023 Health Gateway Yearbook. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase and celebrate the outstanding achievements within your school community in the field of healthcare.

We are seeking articles that highlight exceptional student achievements, noteworthy teacher accomplishments, successful health hub initiatives, innovative health programs, or any other health-related achievements within your school. The Yearbook will serve as a testament to the dedication and hard work of your students and educators, inspiring others within the Health Gateway program.

Submitting an article is simple. Just share a brief write-up, along with relevant photographs, that captures the essence of the achievement or initiative you wish to showcase. Whether it's a student's remarkable commitment to their studies, a teacher's innovative teaching methodology, or a successful health program that has positively impacted the community, we want to hear about it!

Submit your articles to Kat Murray at kmurray@checkup.org.au.

We are pleased to announce that the Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW) Community Events Grant Program is now open for applications, providing an opportunity for eligible organisations to apply for up to $3000 to assist with event costs.

Funded by the Queensland Government through the Queensland Mental Health Commission and administered by CheckUP, this grant program supports organisations across the state to host QMHW events that raise awareness of mental health, bolster belonging, and create connections.

We strongly encourage our Gateway Schools to apply! Independent and faith-based schools, along with Parents and Citizens associations, are among the eligible entity types. While state schools are ineligible to apply directly, they are encouraged to work with their P&C on applications to ensure the events proposed are of most benefit to the school community.

With over $100,000 worth of grants being made available, this is a fantastic opportunity to organise an event that can make a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing in your school community.