27 July 2023
Class of ’23 graduates with new Certificate IV qualification
This week, HealthShare Victoria (HSV) was delighted to celebrate the graduation of 24 students who successfully completed a new Certificate IV in Procurement and Contracting course.
Certificate IV in Procurement and Contracting graduates with Janine Ilitch, ACFEC Chief Executive Officer (on right)
The graduation ceremony took place in Melbourne on Thursday 27 July. In attendance were 19 students and HSV representatives including Chief Executive Neil Rodaway.
Commencing in August 2022 as a pilot, the new course was spearheaded by HSV to bolster procurement and contracting skills and knowledge in the health sector – especially in regional areas.
HSV partnered with the University of Canberra’s Australian Centre for Financial and Environmental Compliance (ACFEC) to deliver the pilot Certificate IV to a group of Victorian public health service employees.
The nine-month course was delivered wholly online to ensure it was accessible and convenient for participants from anywhere in Victoria. Of the 24 participants in this current intake, six hailed from metropolitan health services and 15 joined from regional health services. Three HSV employees also completed the course.
Via a combination of self-paced learning and facilitated workshops, participants studied 15 units including relevant legislation and procurement policies, identifying and managing risks, managing contracts and conducting market research.
“Due to the complexity of the subject matter and its importance to a robust and high-functioning health sector, the course was very technical and really pushed and challenged the participants,” says Neil Rodaway.
“The resilience and dedication shown by all of the students is highly commendable,” Neil acknowledges.
The course took place in a particularly challenging time for the health sector, which faced residual effects from the COVID pandemic, staff shortages and supply chain issues.
“Against this backdrop, it is especially impressive that students were so committed to the course – while also performing in their usual jobs and managing life outside of work and study,” Neil says.
“We are also grateful to the health services for supporting these students to participate in the new pilot Certificate IV at a difficult time when employees were in great demand.”
The course was designed to help graduates to maximise the benefits that HSV delivers for the Victorian public health sector and identify opportunities and efficiencies that will support their organisations in the long term.
Health services and students alike have responded positively to the course. Dan Douglass, Heathcote Health CEO, was on the course executive advisory committee and has two employees who just graduated.
“Heathcote Health was pleased to support two members of our staff with roles in procurement to undertake this very useful course,” says Dan.
“Both staff members are proud of their achievement and are looking forward to putting their new knowledge and skills to good use in improving our procurement practices.”
Graduating student Todd George, Support Servicer Manager at Mildura Base Public Hospital, reported that the course was very relevant for his role.
“Having the opportunity to work in a collaborative group with peers from around the state allowed us to share real industry knowledge that can be applied to the course,” he says.
Karen Shepherd-Clark, Director Materials Management at Bendigo Health enjoyed the challenge of the course.
“The online material was very good and the presenters were excellent,” says Karen.
“I am very proud of myself for achieving this certificate. I am looking forward to using my new skills in the workplace.”
Following the successful pilot, HSV is now looking into rolling out the course in the future. We will announce any further developments when they have been confirmed.
(L-R) Neil Rodaway with Janine Ilitch; Trish Boschin with graduate Catherine Bates, HSV Customer Access Manager
Special thanksIn addition to the Certificate IV students and their employers, HSV would like to thank the following people:
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