At WeSupportU, we are passionate about supporting the next generation of Occupational Therapists. Student placements provide valuable real-world learning opportunities while helping future practitioners develop the skills, confidence and compassion needed to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Six years ago, Stuart joined WeSupportU as an Occupational Therapy student on placement. Today, he is a Senior Occupational Therapist and is supervising fourth-year Monash University student Osborn during his 10-week placement.
From student placement to Senior Occupational Therapist
Reflecting on his own experience, Stuart says one of the things that stayed with him most was the encouragement and support he received from his supervisor, Maddy.
“She challenged me to seek learning opportunities wherever possible, whether through telehealth, in-person sessions, or developing resources for participants,” Stuart recalls.
That experience helped shape his approach to practice and reinforced the importance of building genuine relationships with participants.
“I learnt that connection and creating a sense of safety with participants is even more important than any clinical skill or knowledge set,” he says. “It made me realise this was the kind of OT I wanted to be.”
Following graduation, Stuart joined WeSupportU and progressed from Graduate Occupational Therapist to Senior Occupational Therapist. Today, he provides supervision and mentoring to early-career OTs and students.
“I am passionate about helping others build their confidence and develop their practice,” he says. “Because my own placement experience had such an impact on me, it’s rewarding to now support students on their own journey.”
Turning university learning into practical experience
For Osborn, the placement has provided an opportunity to transform university learning into practical experience. Working alongside Stuart and the wider Allied Health team, he has gained exposure to a diverse range of participants, practice areas and clinical approaches.
“One of the biggest differences between university and placement has been the hands-on experience,” Osborn explains. “It’s helped me bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.”
Through his placement, Osborn has also gained experience in Functional Capacity Assessments, report writing, clinical reasoning and understanding the broader responsibilities involved in delivering quality NDIS services.
Importantly, he has learnt that there are many ways to approach Occupational Therapy while maintaining a strong focus on participant-centred care.
Supporting the future of Occupational Therapy
Stories like Stuart’s and Osborn’s highlight the value of investing in future clinicians. By supporting placements, WeSupportU is helping build a skilled, compassionate workforce that will continue to improve outcomes for people living with disability for years to come.