Our School Based Traineeship Program offers real-world experience on-the-job, while completing a Certificate III qualification. Year 11 and 12 students will complete one day per week in paid work experience (375 hours equivalent) at one of our facilities.

Students will receive points towards a Queensland Certificate of Education (GCE) and the program can also contribute to their Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR). Students do not need to be ATAR eligible to apply for a traineeship. After the traineeship job opportunities may be available for students.

School Based Trainee at Sunshine Coast Health - Day in the Life (with audio description)
Duration: 2:46

Role opportunities

Applications are currently closed.

Check back here for details of future School Based Traineeships.

Traineeships will commence in February 2026.

Allied Health Assistance

Certificate III Allied Health Assistance

With this qualification you could work as a Clinical Assistant. Clinical Assistants support and assist Allied Health Professionals (including Audiologists, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Pharmacists, Social Workers and Speech Pathologists) with their day-to-day patient care and operational tasks including patient health care programming, treatment plans and therapeutic support.

The Allied Health Assistance traineeship is offered at Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Nambour General Hospital and Gympie Hospital.

You can find out more about the Allied Health Assistance career pathway at Choose Your Own Health Career.

Dental Assisting

Certificate III in Dental Assisting

With this qualification you could work as a Dental Assistant. Dental Assistants work as part of a wider dental team, including Dentists and Oral Health Therapists treating children and adults. Dental Assistants help support patients, assist with dental procedures, and keep everyone safe with cleaning of the clinic and equipment.

The Dental Assisting traineeship is offered at Caloundra, Maroochydore and Gympie.

You can find out more about the dental assisting career pathway at Choose Your Own Health Career.

Administration

Certificate III Business

Administration Officers play a critical role in supporting the daily operations of Sunshine Coast Health. Including welcoming patients, coordinating admissions, managing medical records and scheduling appointments. Their work enables clear communication, seamless coordination, and a supportive experience for patients, staff across departments and wards.

The administration traineeship is offered at Sunshine Coast University Hospital.

You can find out more about the administration career pathway at Choose Your Own Health Career.

You can find out more about roles and careers in health at the Choose Your Own Health Career website and the Queensland Health Careers website.

Who can apply?

School Based Traineeships are open to:

  • Current Year 10 students (in 2025) who will be in Year 11 in 2026.
  • Students who can commit to a two-year traineeship across Year 11 and 12.
  • You’ll need to be self-motivated and organised – you’ll be working towards a Certificate III qualification while still at school, and will spend one nominated day each week in the workplace.
  • Students with a genuine interest in health and exploring a career in the health sector.

How to apply

Step 1 – Talk it through

Chat with your parents/guardians, your VET Coordinator and your teachers about why you’d like to apply and seek their support.

Step 2 – Check transport

You’ll need to get yourself to your chosen facility one day per week.
Apply only for the facility that’s closest to your local area.

Step 3 – Complete the online form

The application form takes about 1 hour. Set aside some time to do it in one sitting, somewhere quiet.

You’ll need to include:

  • Your details and your parent/guardian’s details
  • Why you’re interested in a health career
  • Skills you’ve gained from part-time work, volunteering, sport or hobbies
Step 4 – Complete a short quiz

Built into the application form is some quick online learning plus a short quiz.

Step 5 – Submit your video

Within 2 business days of applying, you’ll get an email with instructions on recording and sending your short video.

Be yourself – we want to hear your words. Please do not use artificial intelligence (eg Chat GPT or similar) to write your responses.  Applications should be completed by the student and not a parent/guardian/school representative.

Do you require additional assistance with your application?

If you need assistance with your application please email sc-diversity-inclusion@health.qld.gov.au.

Please do not use artificial intelligence (Chat GPT or similar) to write your responses.  Applications must be completed by the student and not a parent / guardian / school representative.

Diversity and inclusion

We are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive workplace for our people and our community. Find out more about what it's like to work with us.

Print resources

This information is available in pdf format for printing / emailing.

Last updated: May 2026

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