First Nations trainee program just what the doctor ordered

The Townsville Hospital and Health Service’s (HHS) Administration Traineeship Program continues to prove a successful launchpad for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander careers, with former trainee Jason Taylor now on the path to becoming a registered nurse.

Entering its fourth year, the program provides a pathway for participants to enter the workforce, offering full-time employment and cultural support while they complete a Certificate III in Business Administration.

For Mr Taylor, who started his traineeship in 2021, the program was more than just an office job; it was the inspiration he needed to pursue a clinical career.

Now studying a Bachelor of Nursing and a successful candidate commencing in the 2026 First Nations Cadetship Program with Townsville University Hospital, Mr Taylor said his time in administration was the perfect entry point into the complex world of healthcare.

"I started with the hospital as an admin trainee and sitting in my office space and watching the health workers do their thing was inspiring," Mr Taylor said.

"During the traineeship I also recognised the importance of culturally appropriate care and how I could support that.

"The admin traineeship was a good entry position just to get my bearings of everything and how things in the hospital function and it gave me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone.”

Indigenous workforce coordinator Alisha Kyle said the program plays a vital role in growing and retaining First Nations representation across the health service’s administration workforce.

"Administration roles are often the first point of contact for patients beginning their health journey," Ms Kyle said.

"Having First Nations representation in these positions helps create cultural safety and connection from the very first interaction."

"This program helps participants to reach their full potential through full-time employment while receiving cultural support and on-the-job training.

Mr Taylor said applying for the program was one of the best decisions he had made and encouraged other First Nations people to look at it.

"Just apply. It is such a great opportunity," he said.

"You get the education from TAFE and a lot of the skills people learn on the job can carry on to other places."

Visit the Queensland Health Careers website to find out more.