The 2-year SBAT Program is part of the NSW Government's Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grant, which is designed to develop and support Aboriginal people through the creation of training and employment opportunities within the NSW Government, enabling them to thrive in their careers.
During the program, the students will gain hands on experience across eHealth NSW in a variety of tasks, such as drafting business documents, collaborating on projects and providing technical support.
This program allows students to stay engaged in their education whilst gaining valuable work experience and employment opportunities within Government agencies.
What is the cultural significance of the program?
The Elsa Dixon School-Based Trainee program allows Aboriginal students to work within their own communities, stay connected to their culture and share their cultural knowledge with their employer and colleagues. Students will also have access to an Aboriginal mentor through the Barranggirra Initiative, providing additional support to ensure their success and retention. This will allow them to thrive in a safe and supportive work environment where they can draw strength from their identity, culture, and community.
Ewan Siscan, SBAT Trainee who is currently gaining experience in the Technology Services team, reflected on the significance of the traineeship and what he's most looking forward to learning.
As an Aboriginal student, this traineeship holds great significance to me as it provides me with an opportunity that I would have otherwise not had. I am most excited about learning more about technology and how it is used to improve our everyday lives. - Ewan Siscan, SBAT Trainee
Building a more inclusive workforce
At eHealth NSW, we recognise the value that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people bring to our organisation and are deeply committed to creating a fully inclusive and respectful workplace that truly reflects the communities we serve.
Our Aboriginal Employment Strategy 2024 - 2031 sets out our ongoing commitment to nurture future talent and foster opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and providing them with meaningful pathways to employment. By proudly running this initiative at eHealth NSW, not only are we building a stronger Aboriginal workforce, but we are also supporting the National and State Closing the Gap targets.
"It is fundamentally important for eHealth NSW to continually seek innovative ways to support Aboriginal employment pathways and expand our talent pipeline. By offering School Based Aboriginal Trainees the chance to gain new skills on the job, it provides students with the opportunity to complete a practical training qualification whilst they complete their HSC and supports with enhancing the cultural capability and workforce diversity of eHealth NSW." - Daniel Sampson, Aboriginal Health Relationship Manager, SDPRIA.
