New trial to build the future health workforce through leadership, wellbeing and health skills

• St John WA is launching a new St John Academy initiative to build Western Australia’s future leaders.
• The program will launch as a pilot with up to six locations – in Perth, and regional WA – in July this year.
• St John Academy is a contemporary and modernised take on leadership, wellbeing and health for members aged from 12 to 17 and links to national and international organisations.
• Register to attend the Information Night on May 23, 5.30pm-7pm

Western Australian secondary school students have the opportunity to sharpen their leadership, wellbeing and health skills through a new program designed to build the State’s future leaders.

St John Academy, which launches as a trial in July across six locations, will give young people aged from 12 to 17 the skills and knowledge to potentially save a life and manage their own wellbeing and health, earning new capabilities in age and skill appropriate modules across their school career.

The new program is a modernised and contemporary take on St John WA’s engagement with the young people, with many who have been involved in the organisation in the past going on to careers in medicine, paramedicine, nursing and allied health.

St John WA Chief Preventative Officer Megs O’Donnell said the St John Academy trial would include metropolitan and regional locations, with Academy Team Leaders recruited locally to ensure strong connection with community service.

The St John Academy curriculum provides opportunities for young people to develop friendships, leadership skills and proficiency across a range of wellbeing and health skills to set them up for success once school finishes.

“We know many STEM professionals in Western Australia talk fondly of learning fundamentals for first aid with St John in their younger years, and how it encouraged them to pursue careers in related fields,” Megs said.

Academy members can gradually build skill and expertise over their secondary education years with regular check-ins with peer groups to complete proficiency badges and contribute to their community.

There are opportunities to be recognised at a national and international level with participants eligible to receive the Grand Prior’s Award and contribute towards a coveted Duke of Edinburgh Award. There are also national and international opportunities to attend camps and competitions.

Once the initial semester-long trial is complete, any learnings will be captured in preparation for a formal launch of the program across the State in early 2025.