Careers on the rise in NSW

The futures of AFL SportsReady trainees have got a little brighter after graduating from a special ceremony at Sydney’s Darling Harbour, acknowledging their dedication and achievements over the past 12 months.

33 trainees from NSW and the ACT, including 13 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, graduated from the AFL SportsReady program in front of family, friends and colleagues. A further 424 trainees and 133 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainees have graduated nationally from AFL SportsReady this year.

AFL SportsReady CEO, James Montgomery was in attendance to witness the class of 2014/15 and was thrilled with the calibre of young professionals ready to take their next career step.

“Our graduates have all worked so hard to set themselves a pathway to a bright and promising career”, said Mr Montgomery.

It was one trainee however, who stood out from the pack and took home the coveted 2015 NSW Trainee of the Year Award. Against quality competition, David Harris-Tunks was recognised for his hard work and dedication in his role with Basketball Australia (BA).

Former Basketball Australia National Integrity & Policy Manager, Ms Bastien Wallace, described Daniel as a highly valued member of the team who displayed a meticulous approach to his work from the beginning.

“What impressed me the most was David’s work ethic, he tackled every task enthusiastically and efficiently; even those tasks others viewed as boring and tried to avoid.”

“My role with Basketball Australia involved extensive travel and Daniel’s professionalism meant that I could rely on him to complete challenging tasks whilst I was away from the office.”

Upon completion of his traineeship, David has since found full-time employment at YMCA Australia and describes his experience with AFL SportsReady as, “essential in helping me gain the experience I needed to kick start my career in the sports industry.”

“Basketball Australia and AFL SportsReady, in particular my Field Officer Andrew Craig, provided me with the support and guidance I needed to make the most of the traineeship opportunity.”

Promising Australian netballer, Teegan Ryan was also recognised for her role with host employer “2 Discover”, and was awarded the HOSTPLUS Rising Star.

2 Discover’s Management Director, Catheryn Eyre, recognised Teegan’s talent and contribution to her workplace, “Teegan’s commitment to learn and be part of the team has never wavered throughout the traineeship and she has taken every challenge and opportunity to grow throughout the traineeship.”

“Teegan’s calm demeanour and willingness to take on anything quickly earned her the respect of the team and she has now joined us in a full-time capacity.”

AFL SportsReady’s NSW State Manager, Luke Pellegrini, was glowing in his endorsement of the graduating class and acknowledged the first of many ArtsReady trainees to complete the program.

“We are proud of this year’s trainees who have each worked incredibly hard to achieve their Certificate whilst working in busy roles within quality host employers.”

“I am particularly pleased to see our first ArtsReady trainees’ graduate, as they are the leaders for the program which has now opened the door to a rewarding career within the industry for many creative young Australians,” said Mr Pellegrini.

Launched in 2013 and supported by the Australian Government, ArtsReady is a national initiative, created by AFL SportsReady to help young people forge a career in the arts and creative industries.

Mr Montgomery also paid tribute to the role host employers play in contributing to the development of their trainees.

“What we do is really about partnerships. We don't do any of our work alone. We help businesses with solutions to their employment problems, we make it simple to take on a trainee, we help young people get the foot in the door of a career, and we work with everyone to make it work for all concerned.”

“We aim to set young people up for success by providing them with an opportunity to launch their own career, and there is no better example of that than the class of 2014/15.”

“We wish all our trainees luck as they embark on the next part of their career journey,” Mr Montgomery concluded.

DATE: Friday 17 April, 2015
IMAGE: AFL SportsReady CEO James Montgomery and NSW Trainee of the Year, David Harris – Trunks