CQUniversity has held a farewell function for 4^th-year social work students before they embark on their final practicum placement before graduation.

Among the 53 students, 17 will be undertaking their practicum placement with Queensland Health.

Bachelor of Social Work students Front L-R: Jessica Siles, Katie Maslen, Alicia Harris. Back L-R: Samantha Bruderer, Rebecca Chandler, Brad Pailthorpe

Associate Professor Sandy Taylor said the ability to supply students to the health industry is a very positive step towards strengthening the relationship between CQUniversity and Queensland Health and addressing the current skill shortage.

"It is encouraging to see so many students entering into the health industry during a time when we are experiencing a strong skills shortage in health workers across the board," Dr Taylor said.

The compulsory practicum carried out as part of the Social Work program at CQUniversity provides students with the experience they need to enter the workforce with confidence.

Honours student, Sarah Arnold, is one of the students carrying out her placement with Queensland Health and is looking forward to putting her knowledge to the test.

"I'm excited by the opportunity to see the wide range of areas I could work in within Queensland Health, plus it's a good opportunity to put my skills into practice," she said.

An informal lunch was held on Friday to mark the end of formal studies before the students headed off on their final placements.  

CQUniversity Social Work students about to undertake their practicum placements with Queensland Health