Graduation glory for Victorian trainees

Victorian trainees and students were buzzing with excitement after celebrating their achievements at this month’s AFL SportsReady graduation.
Role model trainees Ellen Close and Mufaro Muneri were the stars of the night, after taking home top-honours.

Ellen, who completed her traineeship at Our Lady of Mercy College, was awarded the prestigious 2015 AFL SportsReady Trainee of the Year for Victoria.

‘My traineeship experience was so great than I want to keep spreading the word about this program to other young people who are looking for help to find their career path,’ she said.

‘I couldn’t believe it when they named me as Trainee of the Year, I was shocked but overwhelmed with excitement at the same time,’ laughed Ellen.

Ellen demonstrated exceptional qualities and became a shining example of a model trainee. With hopes to one day become a teacher, she says she now has the skills and insight to make her dream a reality.

‘I think the best thing about doing a traineeship is that you actually get to have a taste of the industry you want to work in. If you love it then you already have a foot in the door, if you find it’s not for you at least you at least you got the experience. It’s a win win! ’ she said.

While Mufaro took out the second honour of the night, Victoria’s Hostplus Rising Star Award saying he hopes to share the benefits of his experience with all young Australians.

‘The traineeship has taken me to places beyond my dreams and from being completely unmotivated about my career I now can’t wait to see where I will be in the next five years. It’s something everyone should do,’ he explained.

Starting out in the North Melbourne Football Club’s (NMFC) Multicultural Development team and studying a Certificate III in Sport and Recreation, the club encouraged Mufaro to take on a second one in Sport Development.

‘I now have two qualifications under my belt and heaps of experience in the AFL Industry. Plus my role is incredible I get to go out and teach multicultural communities about AFL.

Doing a traineeship is seriously the best thing I’ve ever done. I’ve been telling all my mates to get on board. They won’t regret it.’

DATE: 31st of May 2016

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AUTHOR: Marissa Paglairello