Empowering Mob, Creating Pathways

School-based training

In 2022-2023, we have had 42 school-based trainees, 27 non-school-based trainees and seven other community members undertake traineeships and work-readiness programs with IUIH.

Pathways in Allied Health

POWA works with schools to ensure Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander learners in years 10-12 are aware of, and can opt to apply for a training pathway in allied health, with the opportunity to join our team in a vast range of roles with IUIH across the allied health sector.

Working with RTOs

In 2022-2023, we have had 42 school-based trainees, 27 non-school-based trainees and seven other community members undertake traineeships and work-readiness programs with IUIH.

Start your health career while you’re still at school

Pathways Our Way Academy (POWA) offers school-based traineeships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who want to make a real difference in the health and wellbeing of Mob – while earning a nationally recognised qualification. Our flagship traineeship is the HLT33015 Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance, delivered alongside real work experience with community-focused health teams. The qualification is provided by EMPOWA Training (RTO 46204) or DIVTEC Training College (RTO 32535).

Why choose a POWA school-based traineeship?

• Learn on Country, with Community – build skills supporting Allied Health professionals and working alongside Mob in culturally safe environments.
• Earn a qualification at school – progress toward the HLT33015 Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance while you complete from Years 10, 11,12 (or across 1-2 years, depending on your pathway).
• Real-world experience – gain workplace exposure, teamwork skills, and confidence by contributing to services that improve health outcomes for our people.

Who can apply?

We welcome students who:

• Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• Attend school regularly and can balance study with on-the-job learning
• Are willing and able to travel to a workplace and work in a team environment
• Can commit to completing a 1-2 year traineeship.

What you’ll gain

• A pathway into allied health roles and further study
• Practical skills and confidence from supervised workplace learning
• A supportive environment focused on culture, community and your goals.

(Specific units, scheduling, and school release arrangements are tailored with you, your family and your school.)

How it works

1. Apply – get in touch with our team to express interest by using the form on this page. We’ll discuss your goals and eligibility.
2. Plan – we’ll coordinate with your school to set your training and work schedule.
3. Train and work – complete the formal training toward HLT33015 and gain hands-on experience with allied health services within the IUIH network.
4. Finish strong – graduate with a nationally recognised qualification and a head start in the health sector.

For parents, teachers and carers

Partner with us to grow strong futures in health

The Pathways Our Way Academy (POWA) school-based traineeship supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to start a meaningful health career while completing school. With a blend of classroom learning and paid workplace experience, students can work toward the HLT33015 Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance over 1-2 years – all within a culturally safe environment that respects Community and supports each learner’s goals. The qualification is provided by EMPOWA Training (RTO 46204) or DIVTEC Training College (RTO 32535).

Your role matters. Families, schools and carers are key partners in helping students balance study, work and wellbeing. Together, we provide the guidance, structure and encouragement that lead to confident graduates ready for the health workforce.

What the traineeship offers your student

• A nationally recognised qualification – progress toward the HLT33015 Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance while still at school.
• Realworld experience – supervised work placements with allied health teams serving Mob, building communication, teamwork and job-readiness.
• Culturally safe learning – training and workplaces that value identity, Country and Community, and nurture belonging.
• A clear pathway – a stepping stone into further study (e.g., health, community services) or entry-level roles supporting Allied Health professionals.

Who is suited to this pathway?

Students who:

• Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and attend school regularly.
• Are motivated and reliable, able to balance school commitments with traineeship requirements.
• Can travel to a workplace and contribute positively in a team environment.
• Are ready to commit to a 1-2 year program with our support.

How the school‑based model works

1. Expression of interest and eligibility – families or schools contact POWA. We discuss goals, readiness and program requirements.
2. Individual learning plan – we coordinate with the school to align timetables, release days and assessment schedules.
3. Training and workplace learning – students complete formal training toward HLT33015 and attend supervised workplace shifts.
4. Ongoing support – regular check‑ins with POWA mentors trainers, workplace supervisors and school staff, plus family updates.
5. Completion and next steps – we celebrate achievements and map progression into further study or employment.

Safety and wellbeing

Student safety and wellbeing come first. POWA partners with schools and the IUIH network to provide supervision, cultural safety, clear expectations and support, including reasonable adjustments where appropriate. If challenges arise – attendance, transport, health – we work together to find practical solutions.

Key FAQs