By Stuart Kavanagh
A scholarship that helped Wilcannia Central School School Psychologist Joshua Dey realise his dream to help children and young people, is once again being offered by the NSW Department of Education.
The Master’s in professional psychology scholarship, allows successful applicants to train to become school psychologists.
Working within the Department’s school counselling service as part of a team of professionals, school psychologists work with a wide range of students, from kindergarten through to year 12.
While completing his honours in psychology, Joshua discovered the scholarship which is crucial to many rural and regional schools in attracting and recruiting school psychologists to support students.
Making a difference to the next generation and the ability to positively impact society were massive deciding factors when Joshua was faced with either becoming a clinical psychology researcher or entering the school system.
He completed his Master’s in professional psychology in 2021 and has been at Wilcannia Central School since the beginning of 2022.
He can also be found providing support to students at White Cliffs Public School and Broken Hill Public School, too.
“I’ve had world-class training debt free, and while I’m still learning more all the time, I’m surrounded by a supportive and experienced team who are with me every step of the way,” he said.
“Every day, I get to work with students and help make a positive impact to their lives and learning. At times, it can be challenging, but it’s always very rewarding,” Joshua says.
“For me, education is key, and I wanted to work where the greatest need was. Being placed in a school in regional NSW, I get the opportunity to work with a really diverse range of students, many of whom until now may have had limited access to psychological support.”
Applications are open until 25 September 2022 for psychology graduates wishing to attain their Masters in Professional Psychology and secure guaranteed employment with the Department.
