TAFE NSW Tighes Hill is helping to build the Hunter’s future nursing workforce as part of a landmark partnership with Australia’s largest private hospital operator, Ramsay Health Care.

The partnership comes as the nation’s nursing ranks face a skills gap worsened by the pandemic, with the Health Department predicting a shortfall of about 85,000 nurses nationwide by 2025.

The recently launched Ramsay Cadetship Program aims to support enrolled nursing students.

The support includes guaranteed work placement for TAFE NSW Tighes Hill Diploma of Nursing students, as well as the opportunity for employment while studying and a guaranteed interview for a position at a local Ramsay hospital after graduating.

TAFE NSW Nursing Discipline Leader, Zachary Byfield said the partnership provided a powerful example of how Australia’s largest vocational education and training provider worked closely with industry to address critical workforce needs.

“The pandemic has reinforced the vital role our nurses play in our communities and TAFE NSW is committed to ensuring a steady pipeline of nursing graduates across the state,” Zachary Byfield said.

“This partnership ensures TAFE NSW nursing students become part of the Ramsay workforce, whilst continuing to study, giving them a practical experience of their course material.”

The partnership also ensures TAFE NSW Tighes Hill students are given a mentor during work placement and work across several wards and departments, affording them a deeper understanding of Ramsay’s culture, policies and practices.

As well as a job within a Ramsay hospital while they study, cadets receive a guaranteed graduate interview when they finish their course.

Positions on offer for cadets in NSW include assistants in nursing and undergraduate enrolled nurse or registered nurse or midwifery roles in a range of areas including operating suites, maternity, mental health, cardiac and rehabilitation services.

Ramsay Health Care Chief Nurse and Clinical Services Director, Dr Bernadette Eather said the national cadetship program will help develop leading nurses of the future.

“Ramsay Health Care has a wonderful relationship with TAFE NSW, and we’re excited to take this a step further by offering cadetship places to TAFE NSW Diploma of Nursing students,” Bernadette said.

“The cadets will gain valuable experience and genuine insight into what it’s like working in the healthcare industry as a nurse.

“They will get to partner with experienced Ramsay Health Care nurses who are committed to providing excellent health care for their patients.

“Best of all, they will become part of the Ramsay family and be surrounded by a team committed to helping them grow their skills and excel in their nursing careers.”

IMAGE | TAFE NSW Nursing Lead, Zachary Byfield.