April has seen some excellent outcomes for our current and past trainees, including an exciting outcome for Sharni Bennell, a former Nudge supported Main Roads Clerical Trainee. Sharni was recently awarded the South West Zone and South Regional TAFE Trainee of the Year in her Certificate IV in Business Administration traineeship, an awesome achievement.
Recently, the South Regional TAFE celebrated its highest achieving students at an awards presentation night, which recognised students who had demonstrated outstanding performance and academic excellence during 2017.
Sharni and Main Roads can be justifiably proud of her achievements, as she was presented on the night with the following:
• South West Zone Trainee of the Year, Certificate IV in Business Administration.
• South Regional TAFE Trainee of the Year, Certificate IV in Business Administration.
• Certificate of Excellence, Certificate IV in Business Administration.
Sharni has documented the process that got her to this point and it is an excellent example of the impact and outcome a traineeship opportunity can have for a new entrant to the workforce.
Sharni’s story:
In late October 2016 I was recruited by Nudge, on behalf of Main Roads, to join the South West office as a trainee in Business Services. I was very excited to start this chapter in my life as I was able to complete a course as well as earn an income at the same time. There was not a guarantee of a full time position after the traineeship, but I still tried my hardest in hope that Main Roads could see how determined and dedicated I am.
The Traineeship was for 12 months and I completed in early August, by September I received a letter of appointment offering a permanent full time position with main roads in the South West Region. I was so happy and grateful of the opportunity I was given.
I had so much support from Main Roads and Nudge along the way as well as support from my lecturers at South Regional TAFE. The South West Business Services team were so helpful and full of knowledge which was great as they were all able to assist with teaching me different rolls in the Business Services area.
The best part of my traineeship would be being able to complete a course while working on the job and earning an income. By not having to worry about course fees while gaining experience, it meant I could focus on learning more about the South West Network. The best part of now being employed with Main Roads is having a stable income and job that I can work even harder to move positions in the future.
Without Nudges commitment to local engagement of recruiting the right candidates and preparing me with work readiness training and supporting me throughout the traineeship and even after, I would not have been given the opportunity to work at Main Roads. It has been amazing the amount of support that Nudge gives the trainees and apprentices. I was so worried that if I hadn’t received a position after my traineeship I wouldn’t have the support I had while at Main Roads, but the Nudge team reassured me that even after the traineeship Nudge would assist with working out my next steps and aim to assist with my career development.
Congratulations to Sharni on her achievements, the Nudge team couldn’t be prouder of such a successful and bright young woman being recognised and celebrated for her efforts. We look forward to what the future brings for Sharni, we know it is going to be a bright one.