Leaders of tomorrow level up with St John Academy

Young leaders from across WA have come together through St John Academy to build their confidence, strengthen their communication skills and learn what it takes to lead others. 

Last weekend, 18 team members from Tom Price, Paraburdoo, Wundowie, Northam, Woodridge, Ellenbrook, Morley, Joondalup, Rockingham and Warnbro, attended a powerful, full-day leadership course in Belmont designed to help them take the next steps beyond Academy. 

They were invited to take part after demonstrating leadership potential during their regular Academy division nights, as well as a commitment to continuing their involvement with St John. 

Accredited by St John National, the Leadership Level One course revolved around team-building, strengthening communication skills and learning how to work together, solve problems and make decisions. 

Many of the group already have their sights set on careers as paramedics, nurses and other healthcare professionals, or volunteering with St John WA in some capacity.  

For 14-year-old Chance Hutton, from Wundowie, the program has provided an opportunity to step outside his comfort zone and build his confidence. 

“It’s teaching me how to be more confident speaking to other people I’ve never met and speaking in a group and encouraging others to explain their ideas more,” he said. 

With an interest in paramedicine, Chance can already see how those skills could help him in the future. 

“It’ll teach me how to be more talkative to patients and other volunteers and other paramedics.” 

Tom Price Academy member Skyler Thomas, 14, said meeting new people and developing her confidence had been among the highlights. 

“It’s been really good to help me with confidence and meeting new people,” she said. 

Skyler hopes to become a cardiothoracic nurse and believes the skills developed through the program will stay with her well beyond Academy. 

“It’ll help me to lead people, and even if I don’t get into that position, it’ll be really good to be able to help people and lead them in the future.” 

Public speaking is another skill she hopes to strengthen. 

“I’m not as confident with it, so being able to lead people and speak confidently to them will really help.”  

Their leadership journey also continues after the training day, with participants returning to their divisions and communities with achievable goals to complete before they can be invited to progress to Level Two – Leading Groups. 

At Level Two, participants develop skills in strategic thinking, mentoring, problem-solving, delegation and managing group dynamics, before Level Three – Leading Change, introduces concepts including visionary leadership, advocacy and creating long-term community impact. 

“We are very excited to have created this new leadership program for our young people at St John,” St John Academy Experience Coordinator, Brandi Wahl, said.  

“It’s an amazing opportunity for our Academy team members to learn new skills, network with other young leaders, and build their confidence to inspire change.” 

The St John Academy develops 12-17-year-olds as community leaders, equipping them with life-saving skills and a strong foundation for future healthcare careers.    

The team is keen to hear from anyone interested in becoming an Academy Division Team Leader, email youthacademy@stjohnwa.com.au to find out more. 

Learn more about the St John Academy.