Building a Career with Your Support Team

Brolin-Jahren Boyd, proud Ngunnawal man, found his pathway into full-time work with a traineeship through AFL SportsReady’s ArtsReady Program. Completing his traineeship in September 2024 with the National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) in the ACT, Brolin-Jahren has since secured a one-year contract with the organisation, continuing to build his career in a cultural environment.

Like many school leavers, Brolin-Jahren was unsure about what he wanted to do after finishing school. He knew he needed a start in full-time work and the traineeship provided the perfect opportunity to explore his interests while gaining valuable experience.

I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do,

doing the traineeship really helped me decide what I’d like to do in the future.

During his time at the NFSA, he worked in an AV conservation role, gaining hands-on experience in film and video digitisation. He credits his host employer for their supportive approach, always taking the time to answer his questions and ensuring he had space to complete his coursework in the workplace.

The experience with my host employer was excellent. They were always happy to answer any of my questions and gave me time to do assignments.

The education component of the traineeship also played a key role in his success,

with supportive trainers making the learning process engaging and accessible.

Classes were very engaging. Kylie Spragg is an excellent teacher. She would work through a unit with me until I fully understood it.

One of the most valuable aspects of the program for Brolin-Jahren was the ongoing support from his Employment Coach, Christine, who guided his traineeship.

Catch-ups with Christine were always really easy, and I always got the help I needed.

Beyond the technical skills, his traineeship helped him realise his passion for working in a cultural environment and prepared him for a professional career by strengthening his administrative and workplace skills.

It has helped me with the admin side of things and given me the skills I need to work in any workplace.

His advice to young people finishing school is simple:

be open to learning and take every chance to expand your knowledge.

Any chance to upgrade your knowledge on anything should be taken.

A traineeship helps you understand how to be an integral part of a team.

Now, with a contract at the National Film and Sound Archive, Brolin-Jahren is looking forward to continuing his journey in the industry.

His story, along with that of his brother Tallen Boyd who also completed a full-time traineeship with the Australian Research Council and now works full-time in their IT department, demonstrates the many pathways available through traineeships.

For young people considering their next step, Brolin-Jahren’s experience highlights how a traineeship builds confidence and provides a strong foundation for a rewarding career.