Five Indigenous Students Launch Cadetships with Metro South Health

Five Indigenous university students have commenced placements with Metro South Health as part of the Queensland Health statewide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cadetship Program. This initiative, which spans 12 months, aims to enhance practical skills in various healthcare settings while students continue their studies in fields such as nursing, allied health, and corporate roles.

The 2026 cohort participated in an orientation on January 20, 2026, marking the beginning of their journey within the healthcare system. Among them, cadet Blayse is set to join Metro South Health’s Legal team, a first for the organization. “It feels a bit special to be the first Cadet in this field,” he remarked. “It all sounds really interesting, and I’m excited to broaden my experience and get a taste of the variety that this role can offer.”

Strengthening Workforce in Healthcare

According to Sheringa Minniecon, Principal Project Officer for the Cadetship Program, this marks the program’s transition into its third year, moving beyond the pilot phase to establish a more robust structure. “We’re excited to go into our third year of the program, allowing us to move beyond pilot and strengthen our structure and processes,” she noted. “The Metro South team here is incredible when it comes to the supports they have in place, and I know that the Cadets will be very well-supported.”

The cadetship initiative aims to address identified workforce gaps within Queensland Health. It is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals pursuing their first full-time undergraduate degree in health-related fields. Eligible studies encompass a range of disciplines, including nursing, midwifery, allied health, law, information technology, human resources, marketing, communications, finance, and policy.

Cadets are engaged as temporary part-time staff for the duration of the program, with a requirement to complete 60 days of work experience at a Queensland Health facility while managing their university coursework. This placement is designed to foster knowledge and skills, support academic pursuits, and provide financial assistance during their studies. Notably, the cadetship placement does not contribute towards the undergraduate degree, as students are still required to fulfill necessary clinical placements through their respective courses.

Cadets also benefit from a study and book allowance funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency, which amounts to up to $12,000 over the academic year, along with an additional $1,000 for books across two semesters.

During the orientation, new cadets were welcomed by Rahm Rallah, Aboriginal Health Training and Capability Officer, alongside Kellie Stockton, Executive Director of Allied Health, Mish Hill, Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery, and Holly Ahern, General Counsel at Metro South Health. Their collective support underscores the commitment to nurturing a diverse and skilled workforce in the healthcare sector.

This program not only provides valuable experience for the cadets but also contributes to the broader goal of improving health outcomes within Indigenous communities across Queensland.