Boosting the careers of students

Kylie Boccuzzi is passionate about helping young people begin their careers. As the Coordinator Education & Youth Engagement, Kylie coordinates the school-based traineeship program across Redcliffe, Caboolture and Kilcoy Hospitals.

“Undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship while at school is a great way for young people to gain hands-on work skills and experience,” said Kylie.

“It offers on-the-job experience while working toward a nationally recognised qualification, and it provides students with a fast, cost-effective pathway to complete a qualification and enter the workforce.”

Jessicah Burgess is a dental assistant at the Caboolture Satellite Hospital Oral Health Service and started her career through a school-based training program.

“I moved to Caboolture High School for my final years, so I could study biology, chemistry and physics which really propelled my studies and my determination to pursue a career in dental health,” Jessicah said.

“During Year 11 and 12, I spent every Wednesday at the Caboolture Hospital dental clinic, and I worked full days from 8.00am – 5.00pm. What a great experience for a young teenager!

“That was also most 16 years ago, and I am still here in a job that I love, working with a team that I really care about.

“School-based training programs are fantastic options for young people, and I felt very supported by the Oral Health team as my studies progressed.”

Caboolture and Kilcoy Hospitals and Woodford Health Service (CKW) offers Certificate III school-based traineeships in Health Services Assistant, Allied Health Assistant, and Business Administration. In 2024, Certificate II courses include horticulture and engineering.

Each year Kylie spends time visiting the local schools to talk about the opportunities and said it is a competitive and popular program.

“As part of the application process, students complete a questionnaire about the Metro North values and then if selected for the next stage, formal panel interviews commence,” said Kylie.

“Last year we received over 413 applications across all traineeships, and 34 students successfully gained placements across Redcliffe, CKW and Community and Oral Health.

“What a great start to their careers. Students receive formal learning of being on the job, gain an edge to start their careers and obtain real-world skills and knowledge.”

According to CKW Learning and Development Manager Scott Trudgett, school-based training programs offer significant organisational benefits.

“Since 2005, nearly 70% of all the students we have placed continue to work at Metro North, which is a fantastic retention rate,” said Scott.

“Employing graduates in our work force can help reduce recruitment costs, plus we are getting job ready candidates who really do have the competitive edge.

“I believe the success of this program can also be attributed to Kylie’s management and supportive oversight. She is a great communicator, relates well with teenagers and recognises the needs of the workforce.”