Hands-on student placement in Wollongong with clinical experience, diverse clients, and expert mentoring.
At SAVVY, we’re proud to support the next generation of allied health professionals by offering meaningful student placements that provide real-world learning opportunities. Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming William, an Exercise Science and Rehabilitation student from the University of Wollongong, who joined us for a five-week placement under the guidance of our Exercise Physiologist, Kaitlin.
Why William chose SAVVY
William is passionate about helping people create positive lifestyle changes through exercise, and he was drawn to SAVVY because of our focus on engaging clients in movement that aligns with their personal goals. For him, the SAVVY difference lies in creating real, sustainable changes in people’s lives through personalised programs that go beyond exercise to make a genuine impact.
A diverse and rewarding experience
During his placement, William gained exposure to a wide variety of clients and conditions, something he found particularly valuable. The diversity of the SAVVY community meant that no two days were the same, and he was able to see first-hand how tailored exercise prescription plays a vital role in supporting people of all abilities.
He especially valued working with clients living with neurological conditions. William described this as “an eye-opening experience,” where he saw the most effective exercise strategies being used to improve quality of life. Watching clients progress over the course of his five weeks was, in his words, “the most rewarding experience” of his placement.
Learning through practice
William had the chance to work across both one-on-one sessions and group classes. This provided valuable insight into different delivery methods for exercise programs, teaching him how to adapt his approach depending on the individual or group needs.
He also appreciated how purposeful and specific the treatment modalities at SAVVY are, always directly connected to the client’s condition and personal goals. “Both treatment modalities and recreational sessions seem very effective and have purpose to them,” William reflected.
A supportive team environment
One of the highlights of William’s time at SAVVY was the people he worked with. He described our team as “very friendly and welcoming,” always willing to share knowledge and answer his questions. In particular, his placement supervisor, Kaitlin, played an important role in guiding his learning and supporting him throughout his time with us. For William, this supportive environment was key to building his confidence and developing his professional skills.
Final reflections
William leaves with a wealth of hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the impact exercise can have in people’s lives. Reflecting on his journey, William summed it up best:
“SAVVY is a great place for placement as you get insight into a large range of populations you can see and treat as an Exercise Physiologist. With both one-on-one and group classes, it really educates you on the different ways to deliver exercise.”
We’re grateful to William for his enthusiasm and contributions during his time with us and look forward to seeing where his career takes him next.
