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For Year 11 student Thea Sheridan, this program has been a transformative experience, providing her with a clear pathway to her dream career in nursing and broader health services. Thea is currently undertaking a School-Based Traineeship in Certificate III in Health Service Assistance (Acute Care), where she’s gaining invaluable experience at Tamworth Base Hospital's Medical Ward 2 through a partnership with NSW Health.

This opportunity has allowed Thea to immerse herself in the real world of healthcare, working one day a week at the hospital and dedicating another day to in-person and online TAFE coursework.

Reflecting on her journey, Thea shares, "This course is one of the best things I have done to set myself up for the future. The on-the-job training is unmatched and gives you a real taste of what being a nurse is like. The course gives you a direct entry into Newcastle University in a Bachelor of Nursing and goes towards my ATAR in the HSC, which relieves a bit of pressure that comes with senior years. "

Thea’s traineeship, which began in March 2024, is set to conclude in September 2025, coinciding with her HSC exams. During this time, she is required to complete a minimum of 800 hours or 100 days of paid employment, a commitment she balances with her school studies. "Time management and organisational skills are crucial," Thea admits. "The days I miss at school need to be made up for, to ensure I stay up to date with both my schoolwork and the traineeship."

Thea’s passion for healthcare is deeply rooted in her childhood experiences and family life. "Growing up, my favourite shows were Operation Ouch and Paramedics Australia . The idea of a career in healthcare really took hold when I saw the positive impact the nurses had on my sisters, both of whom have medical conditions. I knew from a young age that this is what I wanted to do."

Looking ahead, Thea plans to pursue further studies in Nursing and Paramedicine, with the ultimate goal of becoming an Emergency Nurse and Intensive Care Paramedic. She believes that the SBAT program at Calrossy has given her a significant head start. "This pathway is a great way to build my knowledge and confidence, and it’s amazing to already be working towards a qualification as an Assistant in Nursing before even finishing school."

Calrossy’s Careers Advisor, Charles Impey, praises the SBAT program and its impact on students like Thea. "Our SBAT program is designed to give students a real-world edge. By the time they finish school, they’re not just holding a certificate 2 or 3 — they have hands-on paid employment and experience and a network of industry contacts. It’s about setting them up for success, whether they choose to continue in the workplace, go down another workforce path or continue their studies."

The SBAT program at Calrossy currently supports ten students, each following their own unique path in industries ranging from Sport and Recreation to Engineering Fabrication. As more students discover the benefits of this blended approach to learning, the program continues to grow, offering new opportunities each year.

In line with Calrossy's commitment to academic excellence and holistic development, the SBAT program exemplifies how the school prepares its students to be "creators of hope and change that matters." With programs like these, Calrossy ensures that every student can explore their potential and step confidently into their future.

For more information about the School-Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship program, or to learn about the diverse educational opportunities at Careers at Calrossy.