Community & Business
24 November, 2025
Hospital teams up with High School to deliver employment pathway
A direct pathway from Oakey State High School to the Oakey Hospital has been created thanks to initiative of the local 19 (2) Committee and the willingness of the local secondary school.
Darling Downs Health started the initiative after a local committee at the Oakey Hospital identified a need for a project to better connect the health service with the community.
The partnership with the Oakey State High School is designed to improve attraction and recruitment with Darling Downs Health.
Since early October, the three school-based trainees (two nursing students and one administration trainee) work one day a week in the facility.
After the successful completion of their traineeships, the students will finish with qualifications such as a Certificate III in Health Services.
“It’s a win-win for the community. It gives Darling Downs Health a pipeline for recruitment and provides some of our local high school students with great skills and experience locally,” Director of Nursing/Facility Manager at Oakey Hospital Matt Boyd said.
Mr Boyd said the three trainees currently working at Oakey Hospital had been outstanding.
“They have taken on every task we’ve assigned to them; they love the role, and we love having them here,” he said.
“They’re a great part of our team.”
Mr Boyd thanked Oakey State High School for its support and fantastic contribution to an important local program.
He said the partnership would also allow for ongoing engagement with the Oakey school community and allow students to experience a career in healthcare.
Oakey State High School principal Danny Keenan said it was a tremendous opportunity for the students involved.
“We have always had a strong connection with the hospital and this new and exciting development is just another indication of Queensland Health and Education getting together to find the right path for our kids,” Mr Keenan said.
