If you’re finishing school and wondering what comes next, you’re not alone. Uni isn’t the right move for everyone, and plenty of people prefer learning by being in the real world. If that feels more like you, the Patient Services Assistant (PSA) Traineeship with Western Health is a great way to get started. You earn money, learn on the job and work toward a recognised qualification.
So What Is a PSA Traineeship?
Western Health hires trainees directly, so you’re part of the team from day one. While you’re working shifts, you study a Certificate III in Health Services Assistance. You don’t need any experience in healthcare. They’ll teach you everything as long as you show up ready to learn.
You’re also supported by MEGT (the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network provider), who help you navigate the traineeship process and check in along the way. Victoria University delivers the classroom training that sits alongside your hospital experience. Together, it gives you structure, support and people who genuinely want you to succeed.
What It’s Like Day to Day
You kick off with an induction week at Sunshine Hospital. It’s a chance to settle in, learn the basics and get a feel for how things work. You’ll cover things like infection control, patient safety, communication, teamwork and how to move patients safely using equipment.
After that, you start paid mentor shifts across different wards. You shadow experienced staff, ask questions, learn by doing and slowly take on more responsibility. Every day is a bit different, and you end up building more than just technical skills. You grow your confidence, people skills and your ability to handle busy situations. You also attend training sessions at Victoria University to complete assessments and work toward your qualification.
By the end of the traineeship, most people feel ready for the next step.
Where This Can Lead
A lot of trainees go on to study nursing, allied health or other support roles. Others stay on at Western Health in ongoing PSA positions. Some even move into leadership roles later. The program helps you find direction, understand your strengths and get real experience that you can build on.
It’s also a good option if you’re not sure about uni yet but want to start something meaningful. Being in a hospital gives you a big head start if you choose to study later.
Traineeships open at certain times of the year, so it’s worth checking the Western Health careers page and saving it somewhere handy.
Could This Be Your Start?
You don’t need to have everything figured out. You just need a place to begin. The PSA Traineeship gives you paid work, real support and the chance to grow in a role that matters. If you want a job with purpose and a pathway into healthcare, this is a strong place to start.
