Mater Education partners with Multicultural Australia

In late 2020, Mater Education welcomed a cohort of new students into the Certificate III in Health Service Assistance course, as part of a collaboration with Multicultural Australia.

Multicultural Australia is a provider of settlement services for humanitarian visa migrants who are newly arrived in Australia. They support clients through upskilling and helping them find suitable work opportunities.

Acting Manager of Student Services Lauren Andrew said twelve students have just completed the 15-week practical course which was followed up by a final assessment. 

“Through the course, these students have gained essential skills in healthcare, including how to safely move patients using mobility aides and hoists, how to feed patients, falls recovery and most importantly hygiene and infection control measures,” Lauren said.

“We have performed many simulations in the Mater Education training rooms and the students were also able to experience five days of work experience in acute care setting with Mater Hospital shadowing clinicians.

“We are hoping the skills they have learnt here will encourage them to pursue careers in health-related industries. This can be used as a great stepping stone to further study, job prospects or simply give them a taste of what the healthcare industry is all about.” 

Student, Darlene, who is 19 years old found the course to be a wonderful, hands-on, practical learning experience which she feels will benefit her career aspirations.

“I have always been interested in working for the healthcare industry; I believe that caring is a very noble profession. I found the course great as I was able to match the theory being taught with practical skills learnt through simulations and hands-on training,” Darlene said. 

“I am hoping I can use this as a steppingstone to further my career goals of working in the healthcare industry one day – I’m not sure where I want to end up. 

“I have two friends who were also interested in the course, unfortunately they missed out on this round by I have strongly encouraged them to try again for the next round as I have found it to be so beneficial.”