Deadly Start graduate wins double at Queensland Training Awards

When signing up for the Deadly Start school-based traineeship program, Charlotte did not imagine that her hard work, dedication, and commitment to her traineeship would lead to her accomplishments being recognised at a State level.

A proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman, hailing from the Wakka Wakka people located in the Eidsvold area, and Kirriri (Hammond) and Iama (Yam) Islands in the Torres Strait, Charlotte was recently awarded the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year award and the School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year award for the North Coast region at the Queensland Training Awards, where she now progresses through as a finalist in both categories to the state final to be held in Brisbane in early September.

Charlotte’s journey in health began when she joined the Deadly Start Program in 2023 as an Assistant in Nursing, working at Caboolture Hospital in Ward 4D (General Medical), where she worked toward obtaining a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance. Expected to complete 375 hours of paid work placement, Charlotte attended the workplace one day a week (additional days over school holidays), all whilst undertaking her high school studies.

To balance her traineeship and senior schooling, Charlotte made sure to pay attention in class and make sure her assignments were handed in on time.

“I always tried to get as much done as I could in class, so I didn’t have too much to do at home,” she said.

“Juggling sports training three days a week, and games on the weekend, especially during grade 12, I had to stay on top of my assignments and try and use each lesson to my advantage.”

Going into high school, Charlotte always knew she wanted to participate in a school-based traineeship, and thanks to her mum, she found the perfect opportunity.

“When my mum told me about the Deadly Start traineeship, I knew it was the one I wanted to do. I never thought I would work in a hospital, but I now know this is what I want to do forever. I am very grateful I started this traineeship,” she said.

Having successfully completed a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance and 375 hours of paid work placement, Charlotte has now graduated from the Deadly Start Program, and continues to work for Metro North Health as an Assistant in Nursing at the Caboolture Hospital.

The hands-on experience guided by supportive trainers has led to Charlotte strongly recommending the Deadly Start Program to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

“It has given me another pathway and has helped me personally find what I want to do after high school. It is amazing to connect with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from other schools and I have made many more friendships throughout this traineeship. It also teaches you a lot of new things you wouldn’t learn in school,” she said.

The Deadly Start Program has fuelled Charlotte’s passion to pursue a career in health and she hopes to enrol into university after graduating high school to complete a double degree in nursing and midwifery.