CADETSHIP PROGRAM HELPS INDIGENOUS UNI STUDENTS TO BUILD NETWORKS & GET EXPERIENCE IN THEIR INDUSTRY

Indigenous University student, Sarafina Greco, believes that through her Cadetship with the Brisbane City Council her dream of becoming an Engineer is that much closer.

“I’ve met a lot of people in my cadetship, each working in different areas of the council. It’s a good way to network, I’m not the most social person so, the cadetship is helping to broaden my horizons in the industry,” said Sarafina

Sarafina is currently studying a double degree in Civil Engineering and Business Management at the University of Queensland. She believes the Cadetship Program is a great way to build industry networks, gain on-the-job work experience and gain a better understanding of how the industry operates. Best of all, she can apply what she has been learning in her degree into practice, knowing that the best way to secure full-time work is by having on the job experience.

“When I graduate from Uni, I will be able to go into a job and demonstrate all the skills that I am learning working with the council. It’s also a great opportunity, to teach me how to interact in a working environment and what to expect when I do one day go into a full-time job.”

The cadetship program offers Indigenous Uni students up to 10 weeks of paid work experience in their field of study for up to three years while receiving a study allowance of up to $12,000 in addition to a book and equipment allowance of up to $1,000 annually.

“It’s really good, because it’s a lot more money than I ever thought I would have at 20, it’s nice having cash in your hand”.

The reason Sarafina was inspired to choose Engineering as her career pathway was after the 2011 earthquakes which struck Japan.

“I remember watching the news and some documentaries about how they were minimising damage by engineering the buildings to stand the force of earthquakes. That got me into it, plus I’ve always loved math’s and art so together that creates engineering”.

There are many areas civil engineering can take you and Sarafina made it clear that she wants to give as many pathways as possible a go before she settles down in one area. She believes through her cadetship this is exactly what she will be able to do as the council provides opportunities to work in various areas such as structural, waterways, traffic.

“I don’t want to be in one area for my whole life even though I really enjoy storm water where I am right now, I want to expand myself. The opportunity here will allow me to work in different parts of engineering like traffic for example. This way I can get to really know the industry and figure out where I want to specialise. ”

AFL SportsReady sets up Cadets with not only a work-experience host, but also an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Mentor who checks in on them along the way of their placement, helping with whatever comes up to make the experience much more relaxed and offering a sense of connection to culture.

“My Mentor is Malita and when we talk, I always give her updates on what’s going on.

The other Indigenous cadets that are working with council also have great connections with their mentors. It feels like you are really supported throughout your cadetship.”

Sarafina believes this experience is giving her the skills and knowledge that will help her to graduate, and continue to learn and grow in the Engineering industry. Her aim is to complete the goals she has set for herself and we think she will have no problem in doing so. Five years from now she hopes to secure a job at the council as she has realised, thanks to her cadetship, this is an industry she would love to work in. Her final advice to anyone thinking about taking on a Cadetship.

“Use it as a learning experience, don’t worry if you feel like you are not ready for it or you’re not worth it because trust me you are! Just go for it because it will really help you while you are at uni and also in your future.”

For anyone looking to gain experience in their field of study do not hesitate to reach out, explore the program and apply…there might just be something calling your name.

For more info on the program visit: Indigenous Cadetship Program – AFL Sportsready

We are currently recruiting for a number of cadetship opportunities in the health, midwifery & business industries!

Check them out here:

JACOBS Indigenous Cadetship Opportunities – AFL Sportsready

BiOC Indigenous Cadetship Opportunities – AFL Sportsready

Indngenous Cadetship Opportunities with ANZ – AFL Sportsready

Metro North Cadetship Opportunities – AFL Sportsready

DATE: 8th of July 2021

AUTHOR: DAKOTA MCCARTHY

IMAGE: SARAFINA GRECO