Ingham Health Service trainee finalist for Queensland training awards

Ingham Health Service’s Deadly Start trainee Sophie Johnson has stood out against 750 applicants to be named as a finalist for the Queensland Training Awards.

The 17-year-old is one of three people in the running for the north Queensland region School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year Award.

Sophie is Ingham Health Service’s’ first school-based trainee to participant in the Deadly Start program, an initiative to help young First Nations year 11 and 12 school students gain experience and certification for a career in healthcare.

She is in the final few months of the program and said she had enjoyed the experience.

“It has helped me to define what I want to do when I leave school, and that is work in healthcare and help out my community,” Ms Johnson said.

“The most rewarding part of the traineeship has been supporting others.

“As part of the program I have also got to work across all areas of the health service, which has given me a great understanding of the complexities and interconnectedness of healthcare.

“Having that understanding has helped me in being able to communicate with patients, particularly First Nations people in the community.”

Senior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health worker Diana Friday is one of the many staff members to work alongside Sophie during her traineeship and said the Gilroy Santa Maria College student has quickly become a favourite among staff.

“Sophie has thrived in the healthcare environment and has shown a real passion for helping people and becoming an emerging leader in the community,” Ms Friday said.

“Her passion for helping people has been evident since day one.

“As part of the traineeship she works with us one day a week, however on school holidays she is always asking to work more.

“Sophie has been a great role model for other people in the community and her deep connection to her community has not only shone through in how she has interacted with patients but also her involvement with Vinnies Youth and her efforts in organising yarning circles.

“She has been a valuable addition to the Ingham Health Service for both staff and patients.”

The north Queensland region winners will be announced in July, with those winners to compete for the Queensland award in September.