Meet Sabrina Kerr
Health Gateway Schools Manager
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CheckUP works with partner organisations and health providers to create healthier communities and reduce health inequities through a range of initiatives.
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CheckUP works with partner organisations and health providers to create healthier communities and reduce health inequities through a range of initiatives.
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View allSabrina has been part of the CheckUP team since June 2006, nearly two decades of connecting Queensland students with health career pathways. As Gateway Schools Manager, she works across the state to bridge the gap between secondary schools and the health industry, with a particular focus on regional, rural and remote communities.
The Gateway to Industry Schools program is proudly supported and funded by the Queensland Government.
Celebrating 20 years at CheckUP!
Why did you choose to apply for work at CheckUP?
Because of my passion in health and CheckUP’s clear commitment to improving health equity and strengthening the health sector, particularly for communities that need it most. I was also really interested in the diversity of work that CheckUP offered.
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
A typical day is quite varied and very people-focused. It usually involves working closely with schools, health services, tertiary education providers and industry partners to coordinate engagement activities such as industry exposure opportunities, events and pathway initiatives.
I spend a lot of time building and maintaining relationships, meeting with stakeholders, following up opportunities, problem-solving and aligning education needs with industry capacity. Alongside this, I manage planning, budgets and reporting to ensure the project stays on track and delivers meaningful outcomes for schools, students and industry partners. No two days are the same, but the common thread is connecting schools with industry to create practical pathways into the health sector.
How does your role contribute to rural and remote communities?
The Health Gateway Project is a statewide initiative and, in my role, I oversee the implementation of Health Gateway activities in regional, remote and rural Queensland. These communities often have fewer resources and less exposure to health career pathways, so bringing those opportunities directly to students where they live makes a real difference.
What’s the biggest transformation you see with people that you support?
Many students initially have a very narrow view of the health industry. They think of doctors and nurses, and little else. Watching that expand, seeing a student discover a role they had never heard of and realise it is something they could genuinely pursue, that shift in confidence and possibility is the transformation that matters most.
What’s your favourite part about CheckUP?
I love working with CheckUP because of the people and the culture. There is a genuine commitment to doing work that matters and a real sense of purpose across the organisation.
What’s the most rewarding part of your role?
Seeing students gain confidence, clarity and excitement about their future in health. When a student walks away from an experience knowing what they want to do and believing they can get there, that is everything.
What motivates you?
The tremendous interest and enthusiasm from schools and students to participate in the project. When you see how much young people want these opportunities, and how much schools want to offer them, it is hard not to feel motivated to keep pushing the work forward.
Sabrina’s advice
“Get out to the schools and communities. The relationships you build there are what make this work real. When students can see themselves in the roles you are showing them, that is when something shifts. That moment is worth everything.”
Get in touch with Sabrina
Reach out via email at sabrinakerr@checkup.org.au or visit gateway2health.com.au
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