First Nations Health Worker Traineeship Program (FNHWTP)
A hands-on traineeship pathway that builds a qualified and confident First Nations health workforce across the sector.
The First Nations Health Worker Traineeship Program (FNHWTP) is a national initiative led by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), aimed at building a strong and sustainable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce.
As part of a $54.3 million national investment, the program is designed to address critical health workforce shortages – especially in rural and remote communities – by training and certifying up to 500 Aboriginal Health Workers (AHWs) and Aboriginal Health Practitioners (AHPs) by 2027.
Program features:
Accredited Training
Trainees work toward qualifications from the HLT Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care training package, including:
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- Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care
- Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care
- Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice
On-the-Job Experience
Placements take place in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), offering practical learning in real-world settings.
Cultural and Academic Support
Wrap-around support services help participants stay engaged and succeed throughout their training journey.
Program delivery:
Training is delivered by Aboriginal Community Controlled Registered Training Organisations (ACCHRTOs), with trainees supervised and supported in the workplace by local ACCHOs.
QAIHC’s role:
As Queensland’s peak body for the community controlled health sector, QAIHC works alongside NACCHO and member services to support the implementation of the FNHWTP across the state.
Program Impact:
As of July 2024:
- 300+ people enrolled nationally
- 51 trainees qualified
- Ongoing expansion across jurisdictions
Interested in participating or learning more?
[Make an enquiry →]
Indigenous Health Workforce Traineeship (IHWT)
Supporting career entry and growth through structured learning and supervised, on-the-job experience. → [Learn More]
The Indigenous Health Workforce Traineeship (IHWT) is a national program launched in 2020–21, designed to increase the number of skilled Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people working in primary health care. The program strengthens the capability of Aboriginal community controlled health services (ACCHSs) to deliver culturally safe and locally responsive care.
Program goals:
- Increase the number of skilled Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander professionals in the primary health care workforce
- Create viable, long-term career pathways for First Nations peoples
- Support ACCHSs in delivering culturally safe and community-led services
Program Structure:
The IHWT program is delivered through collaboration between ACCHSs and eight jurisdictional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, which support and mentor trainees throughout their learning journey.
Trainees undertake:
- Accredited training from the HLT (Health) and/or CHC (Community Services) training packages (e.g. Certificate II through to Diploma level, depending on the role and career pathway)
- Structured, on-the-job experience in a community-controlled setting
- Cultural and academic support to strengthen engagement, wellbeing, and successful course completion
QAIHC’s Role:
As Queensland’s peak body, QAIHC works closely with Member services to support the implementation of the IHWT program, ensuring alignment with sector needs and the QAIHC Blueprint.
Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) Workforce Support
Workforce capability-building for those delivering SEWB services, with a focus on cultural safety and localised support. Learn more
QAIHC delivers the SEWB Workforce Support Program in Queensland as part of a national initiative funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA). The program is designed to strengthen the capacity and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander practitioners working in SEWB and Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) services across the Community Controlled Health Sector.This support is provided through a network of Workforce Development Support Units (WDSUs), which operate across Australia to empower and sustain the frontline SEWB and AOD workforce.
What we do as a WDSU in Queensland:
Workforce engagement & needs analysis
Conduct annual Training Needs Analyses (TNA) for ~250 SEWB workers across the state to identify current challenges, emerging needs, and strengths.
Training & development
Facilitate accredited and non-accredited training programs, aligned with practitioner needs and regional priorities.
Cultural and emotional support
Provide safe spaces, mentoring, and cultural support for practitioners to navigate complex roles and reduce burnout.
Forums & networking
Host state-wide and regional SEWB forums, online gatherings, and communities of practice to foster peer connection and sector-wide collaboration.
Promotion of best practice
Embed trauma-informed, culturally grounded, and healing-centred approaches across all aspects of support and training.
Resource sharing & communication
Publish a bi-monthly newsletter with workforce updates, training opportunities, and wellbeing resources.
QAIHC’s strength as a WDSU lies in its trusted relationships with practitioners and its deep understanding of the communities we serve.
Challenges QAIHC is Addressing:
As highlighted in national reviews, SEWB and AOD practitioners face several systemic challenges:
- Limited access to training and emotional support
- High staff turnover and shortages
- Misalignment between funding and service expectations
- Difficulty identifying eligible workforce due to co-funding complexities
Forward Focus:
QAIHC supports national recommendations for:
- A national SEWB skills framework
- Improved access to training and wraparound support
- Stronger collaboration between WDSUs and government
- Outcomes-based funding models that reflect community priorities
Want to connect or find out how QAIHC can support your SEWB workforce? Make an enquiry →
