A Chance to Make a Real Difference
For Sheree Buckley, being an Employment Coach is more than a job. It’s a chance to make a real difference in the lives of young people. Every day, Sheree helps trainees uncover their potential, build confidence and take meaningful steps toward their career goals.
“What really drives me is seeing young people find their confidence and purpose.
“Many of our trainees come in not quite sure what they want to do or how to get there and it’s incredibly rewarding to watch them grow not just in skills, but in self belief. Knowing that I can play even a small part in helping them take that next step in their career or education is what keeps me passionate about this work.”
Sheree loves seeing how traineeships are gaining recognition as valuable pathways for young people, especially in shaping the next generation of educators and teachers.
“Coming from a teaching background myself, I know how powerful it is for young people to gain hands-on experience in schools, seeing firsthand what it’s really like to work in education. These experiences not only help them confirm their passion for teaching, but also equip them with confidence, classroom awareness and professionalism that make them stronger, more capable teachers in the future.”
Supporting young people to believe in themselves is at the heart of Sheree’s approach.
“A big part of my role is helping trainees see what they’re capable of. I take the time to check in regularly, set achievable goals with them and celebrate their progress along the way. I also encourage them to reflect on challenges as learning opportunities. It’s about creating a safe space where they can ask questions, make mistakes and grow.
“By the end of the traineeship, I want them to feel proud of how far they’ve come – and excited for what’s next.”
Sheree believes the sense of community is what truly sets AFL SportsReady apart. Working closely with hosts, mentors and RTOs to ensure every trainee is supported holistically.
“AFL SportsReady is different because we don’t just place trainees and walk away we genuinely walk alongside them. There’s a real sense of care here. It’s that combination of education, employment and genuine personal development that makes the program so special.
“What sets us apart is the relationships we build. We take the time to get to know our trainees and host employers understanding their goals, challenges and strengths so that every placement is meaningful. It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about creating real opportunities for growth and connection.
“I’m proud of the strong partnerships we’ve built with schools, local governments, sporting clubs and community organisations across WA. These partnerships open doors for young people to gain hands-on experience in supportive environments where they can learn, make mistakes and grow into confident professionals.
“At the heart of it all, AFL SportsReady is about belonging.
Our programs give young people a chance to learn in an environment where they feel valued and supported and to see a future for themselves in the industries they’re passionate about.”
For Sheree, one skill that stands out above the rest is adaptability. She also believes the most rewarding moments in her career have been watching trainees have their own breakthroughs, big or small.
“Workplaces change so quickly now, and being able to communicate well, take feedback on board, and step up when things shift makes all the difference. I try to help trainees build those skills through real conversations talking through workplace challenges, encouraging them to problem-solve and helping them see that growth often comes from the tough moments, not the easy ones.
There’s nothing better than when a trainee suddenly realises, ‘I can do this.’
It might be the first time they run a session on their own, get positive feedback from their supervisor, or handle a tricky situation professionally.
You can actually see that switch flick their posture changes, their confidence lifts and they start to see themselves as part of the team. Those moments never get old.
It’s also amazing to watch them grow not just as employees, but as people. Many of them start their traineeship straight out of school, and over the year you see them develop independence, responsibility and a real sense of who they are.”
For Sheree, seeing trainees complete their year stronger, more confident and ready for their next step is something she never takes for granted.
“I’m proud of the resilience our trainees show and that I get to be part of their journey. Sometimes things don’t go perfectly; there are challenges, doubts, or unexpected turns. But being able to guide a trainee through those moments and watch them finish their traineeship stronger than when they started – that’s something I’ll always be proud of.
I’m also incredibly proud of how much our program has grown here in Western Australia.
We’re seeing more host employers come on board each year, recognising just how much value a trainee can bring to their team – not only through their work, but as mentors and role models for younger students. Watching that shift happen across schools and community organisations has been really exciting, and it shows the lasting impact traineeships can have beyond the individual.”
Learn more about how the traineeships work or speak to our team directly.
