At The Speech Tree, we are passionate about nurturing not only the communication skills of the children and families we support, but also the development of the next generation of speech pathologists.
That’s why we are proud to be a training facility, partnering with a range of universities and TAFEs across Victoria to support students undertaking placements in Speech Pathology and Allied Health Assistants (AHAs).
Why We Do It
Our commitment to student learning is deeply rooted in our values of community, collaboration, and lifelong learning. Supporting students during their clinical placements is not only a way to give back to our profession—it also enhances our team culture and keeps us connected to emerging knowledge and practices.
By creating a rich, supportive learning environment, we help students build the practical skills and confidence they need to thrive in their future roles. In turn, our team remains engaged, reflective, and up to date with new ideas and approaches.
What Our Students Are Saying
Emma – “I completed my placement at The Speech Tree from April to June in 2024. From the first day, the team at The Speech Tree made me feel like part of the community they have built. Their guidance was thoughtful, consistent, and always focused on helping me build both confidence and clinical skill. They asked great questions, celebrated small wins, and gently pushed me when I needed it.
The entire clinic team welcomed me with open arms. Whether I was observing, co-leading sessions, or planning therapy activities, I always felt supported and encouraged to ask questions and try new things. It’s a place where curiosity is valued, and growth is celebrated.
I feel so grateful to have been offered a position after my placement. It’s incredibly rewarding to begin my professional career in a place where I already feel at home. Being surrounded by such compassionate, knowledgeable clinicians makes every day an opportunity to keep learning and growing.”
What It Means for Families
If your child attends The Speech Tree, there may be times when you are introduced to a student clinician. These students always work under the supervision of a qualified and experienced speech pathologist from our team. We work closely together to ensure your child’s goals remain the focus and that sessions are supportive, safe, and fun.
Families often tell us they enjoy having students involved. You might find that student-led sessions bring a fresh perspective, new games, or even more one-on-one attention. Most importantly, it’s a chance to be part of a learning journey—not just your child’s, but the student clinician’s too.
Looking to the Future
We believe in growing strong trees—ones with deep roots in evidence-based practice and branches that stretch toward innovation and inclusion. By investing in student training, we’re contributing to a stronger, more sustainable future for speech pathology, especially in paediatrics.
Thank you to all our wonderful families who welcome students into sessions and contribute to their learning journey. And to our students—thank you for your energy, curiosity, and commitment. We are so lucky to learn alongside you.
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