This is Samarah Brown, a Certificate IV Business Trainee at Landcorp in Perth. We met Samarah in July 2018 when Landcorp engaged Nudge to source suitable young people in the Perth Metro area for a Business traineeship. We have been supporting Samarah and Landcorp for the past 11 months. Samarah is nearing completion of her traineeship, and she has certainly been a wonderful employee and trainee over this time.
We asked Samarah a few questions about her traineeship with Landcorp.
What made you apply for this traineeship?
I am wanting to learn as many qualifications as I can to upskill and get more experience in an admin working environment. I saw this traineeship as a great opportunity to grow and learn in an organisation where I can progress and explore the different areas of work and take on any challenges it may bring. My main goal in my life right now is to continuously improve myself in all areas; mentally, physically and professionally so applying for this traineeship and successfully completing it, would be a step closer to achieving some personal goals.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself
I am 24 years old and I come from the Pilbara. Port Hedland is my home, where I was born and lived most of my life. I have a 4-year-old son and three stepchildren from my Partner who is originally from Perth. I enjoy being active and engaging in a lot of sporting activities, but mainly netball. My family and I recently moved to Perth looking for a new adventure and new opportunities as well as enjoy time with my partners family and get to know their cultural practices and explore their (very different, but beautiful) country. I am generally a very laid back, friendly, easy going person, happy to make friends, build lasting relationships and am open to trying new things. One of my long term goals is to be able to travel to different places learning about other cultures and to see other exciting destinations around the world.
What would you say to other employers who are thinking about bringing more young people into their business – what will this traineeship do for your career/life?
Traineeships not only give young people a chance to learn and develop new skills while obtaining a certified qualification, but they also open doors to other opportunities for their careers in the long term. To be given a chance to get your foot in the door to a successful career at a young age automatically sets them up to have a good work ethic and a positive vision for the future, starting out as a trainee and working your way up exposes young people to a great deal of knowledge and experience in all areas of a workplace. This assists in gaining self-confidence and developing motivation. I would say to be a part of something that gives young people a push-start to a successful working career is something that employers should be very excited to be involved with.
What’s the best thing you have worked on, learnt or been involved with during your traineeship so far?
I have to say being involved in setting up events and functions, whether external or internal, has been something I have enjoyed a lot so far. I like to be a part of the creative effort that goes into holding events at Landcorp as it is quite fun. I don’t consider myself to be much of a creative person, but I do very much enjoy learning and getting as many ideas that may benefit me for a time when I may need to come up with something creative! Plus the leftover food is always the best!
What is your favourite family tradition?
My favourite family tradition back home in Port Hedland that my family and I like to do most weekends is beach swimming or to head out of town when the rivers are running to enjoy a lunch/dinner out in the bush.
Since being down in Perth in the winter time it is too cold to go swimming on the weekends, so my partner likes to have a Sunday roast with the family every second Sunday with everyone having a turn at hosting dinner.
If you could travel to any place with no budget restrictions, where would you go and why?
I would love to see the Aurora Borealis (The Northern Lights) although I don’t like the cold weather, but I have always aspired to be a part of such a magnificent experience.
Do you have a favourite season and why?
Favourite season is SUMMER! Tanning on the beaches and swimming in the gorges/rivers is my favourite thing to do, plus I like summer fashion.
If you could splurge on 1 must-have item, what would it be?
A big boat, because the only good thing about winter time is when the salmon are running.
Samarah Brown, LandCorp office Perth