Psychology students ignored in paid placement scheme
6 May 2024
The Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPi) said it was disappointing that psychology students had been ignored in the Federal Government’s paid placement scheme, and that given the significant shortage in the psychology workforce, exclusion from this scheme will further entrench this shortage.
AAPi Executive Director Tegan Carrison said student placements provide valuable clinical experience but being unpaid puts them at a disadvantage.
“Psychology students can do up to 1000 hours unpaid labour for their placements which pushes them into placement poverty, impacts their mental health and wellbeing, and is a deterrent for many who come from low socioeconomic backgrounds to be able to participate in higher education,” she said.
"Given the mental health workforce needs to grow rapidly to care adequately for the country’s mental health needs - psychologists are only meeting 35% of the Federal Government’s psychology workforce goal - we are calling for the urgent inclusion of psychology students in this scheme.
“As healthcare professionals in training, they should be given equal consideration.”
Further information about the paid placement scheme can be found
here.
ENDS
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