15 Years of CBA Pathways

Since 2009, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) and AFL SportsReady have been working together to create employment pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people through the CBA Indigenous School-Based Traineeship Program. Over that time, more than 490 Indigenous trainees have been employed through the program, giving young people the opportunity to gain paid work experience, a nationally recognised qualification and an early connection to the professional workforce – all while completing Years 11 and 12. This is more than a school-based traineeship. It is a proven pathway that helps young people move from school into further study, employment and professional careers.

For many young people, finishing school can be the beginning of navigating further study, employment and career choices. The CBA Indigenous School-Based Traineeship Program gives participants the opportunity to start building that future while they are still at school. Trainees typically work one day a week at CBA, gaining around 50 paid days of workplace experience each year while completing their qualification. They leave school with more than their secondary education. They have: • Paid employment and financial independence • A nationally recognised qualification • Real experience in a major Australian workplace • Professional networks and connections • Practical workplace and industry skills • Greater exposure to opportunities in financial services For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, these experiences can create a valuable bridge between school and the professional workforce.

The impact of the program is reflected not only in the number of young people who have participated, but in the pathway it creates beyond the traineeship. Participants gain experience and confidence that can support their next step – whether that is ongoing employment, further study, an apprenticeship, cadetship or a professional career. At the same time, CBA is able to engage emerging Indigenous talent early, providing young people with meaningful exposure to the organisation and building a sustainable pipeline of future talent. The program has created opportunities across metropolitan and regional Australia, extending access to professional workplace experience for young people in different communities.

AFL SportsReady has been CBA’s employment partner since 2009, providing the employment infrastructure that underpins the program. As the legal employer, AFL SportsReady manages recruitment, onboarding, payroll, superannuation, compliance and ongoing employment support. This allows CBA to focus on creating a high-quality workplace and learning experience for trainees. The longevity of the partnership is significant. 15+ years. 490+ Indigenous trainees employed. Hundreds of young people given an early opportunity to build their professional future. The partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when employment expertise, a major employer and schools work together around a shared commitment to creating opportunity for young people.

The next chapter of the partnership is already underway, with 35 new school-based traineeship roles being recruited for 2027. The opportunity is to continue building on a model that has already created more than 490 employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people – expanding access, particularly in regional communities, and strengthening the pathways from school into ongoing employment, further study and professional careers. After more than 15 years, the program continues to demonstrate the impact that can come from creating meaningful employment opportunities early – and supporting young people to turn those opportunities into their next step.