The state government entered into a formal agreement with South Australia’s three leading universities, that will provide better opportunities to the allied health students for undertaking practical work experience in the state schools. It will be providing the schools with extra wellbeing resources. The allied health students studying social work, speech pathology, psychology and occupational therapy are included.

In a bid to meet the growing industry demands, pathways for the allied health university students to arrange work placements in the government schools will be simplified through this agreement.

Blair Boyer, the Minister for Education, Training and Skills, signed the Memorandum of Intent (MOI) with the three South Australian Universities—Flinders University, University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide. The MOI confirmed the agreement of working together on an improved placement program in the government schools.

Malinauskas Labor Government’s election commitment for negotiating an agreement with South Australian universities for increasing the university student placements in public schools, is reflected through this agreement.

With the improvement in the placement program, it is perceived that the allied students might be able to identify a clear employment pathway into valuable roles in the public education system. The MOI will enhance the schools, providing an easier direct pathway for students in offering valuable assistance to allied health professionals working in the sector.

With more than 360 professionals currently employed and working across the schools, the department of Education is a large employer with allied health qualifications.