A Traineeship You Can Bank On: How 15-year-old Audrey Found Her Passion
At just 15, Proud Aboriginal Woman and go-getter, Audrey Putland had no interest in classroom learning and left school to pursue a traineeship instead.
Audrey was adamant she wanted to get a head start in a career in banking so when she came across the traineeship opportunity at the ANZ bank she was immediately drawn.
Studying a certificate III in business and working for the ANZ bank in Wagga Wagga has been the best decision for her.
Audrey wants to show others in her community that a traineeship can help you achieve career success despite leaving school early.
“If there is something you want to do, do it! Don’t let the pressure of having to finish high school, graduate and go to University stop you from doing what you want to do,” said Audrey.
“I always wanted to finish high school and go to University but when I went to school, I realised it just wasn’t for me. I didn’t let it crush my dreams or my spirit because I understand everyone learns differently and a traineeship is a great career pathway to make something of yourself especially if you are a hands-on learner like I am.”
Prior to taking on her traineeship, Audrey was working full-time at MacDonald’s but always longed for something more.
“I wanted to think more about my long-term future, and business and finance is something that really interested me.
“My older sister is someone who I really look up to and she works at a bank so I thought this could be a really great career to get into!”
“I learn best on the job, when someone is showing me what to do and also telling me if I am doing it correctly.
This is the sort of work experience the traineeship offers and that’s why I love it so much.”
In her role, Audrey is a bank teller, and she deals with customers on a regular basis whilst building her administrative skills.
“Customer service is definitely my favourite part about the job, I love to meet different people every day and it also helps to build my confidence.
Apart from all the skills I am gaining in my traineeship, like communication and organisation skills, I am also learning a lot about myself. I tend to rush things and do things quickly but, in this role, I am learning about processes and to slow down and not rush so much because that is when I make mistakes.”
Audrey said the key to her success is her work environment.
“I feel genuinely so happy when I come to work. I feel like I am receiving so much support from my colleagues. The people I work with are so great and they are always there to help me.
I also feel supported by my AFL SportsReady Mentor, Glen Ella and Field Officer Christine Clifford. They always check in on me and let me know that if any problems arise, I can contact them for anything.
It’s really comforting to know that I have so much nurture and support around me and I think that makes my role extra special.”
Audrey may be young, but she is driven and thinks of the traineeship as not just an experience and a qualification but a stepping stone to her career.
“I definitely want to continue in this industry and see where I get to! The great thing about working in a bank is that you can keep working your way up. As long as I put my head down and put in the work, I know I will get far in this industry and in life.”
Her final message, “Don’t let anything stop you from achieving your career goals, even if you don’t like school, you can get to where you want to be! I am proving this is possible.”
We can’t wait to follow Audrey’s amazing traineeship journey and see what the future holds for this inspiring young girl.
Learn more about our Warumilang program and the work we do with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
DATE: 28th of May
AUTHOR: Marissa Pagliarello
IMAGE: Audrey Putland
