South Australia’s three universities have signed an agreement to establish a new placement program that will increase the number of allied health students undertaking work placements in public schools.

Flinders University Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling says the new placement program will help establish South Australian public schools as attractive work-integrated learning/clinical placement options for university students, and the program will develop effective models for work placements to ensure that children and young people around the state can benefit from increased health resources in schools.

“We know that many young people today face challenges that can impact their education, and that the earlier support can be provided the better their overall educational experience and outcomes are likely to be. This ground-breaking initiative will see children better supported in their learning journey, greater capacity created in the education system, and our graduates equipped with knowledge that goes beyond textbooks,” says Professor Stirling.

With notable strengths in fields such as Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, and Psychology, Professor Stirling says that Flinders University is well equipped to provide students with industry experience that will serve them well upon graduation.

“Allied health students will make an immediate impact in schools, while also enhancing their employability by gaining valuable real-world experience,” says Professor Stirling.

The program will be supported by the latest mental health and wellbeing research from the Flinders Institute of Mental Health and Wellbeing, which is integrated into education, psychology and social work programs.