CBA Trainees Share Their Success Stories
The Indigenous School-Based Traineeship Program with Commonwealth Bank Australia (CBA) provides Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander secondary school students with the opportunity to gain real workplace experience, develop practical skills and build confidence – all hile completing their studies.
The program combines paid employment with a fully funded Certificate III in Business, supporting students to learn in a professional environment while receiving guidance from AFL SportsReady Employment Coaches and First Indigenous Mentors.
For former trainees Khyleesha Welgraven, Jennifer Muleta, Sienna Abdullah and Kasaiar Peace, the program became the starting point for a range of different career journeys and personal achievements.
A proud Adnyamathanha woman, Khyleesha Welgraven balanced school with work before being encouraged by her AFL SportsReady Employment Coach to apply for a full-time traineeship with QinetiQ. She has since progressed into a Project Support Officer role.
“Balancing school and work wasn’t always easy, but I was really lucky with the people I worked alongside at CBA.
“I’ve now been at QinetiQ for just over two years. I completed my traineeship here after school and have been in a full-time role ever since.”
For Jennifer Muleta, working in customer service helped shape her career aspirations while reinforcing the value of creating meaningful employment pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people. Today, she remains a passionate advocate for traineeships.
“These opportunities are so important for Mob.
“They provide young people with hands-on experience in a professional workplace, even if they don’t have any previous experience. It’s so hard to find a job without experience these days and these traineeships give us a head start.”
Beginning her journey in Year 10, Sienna Abdullah became the youngest trainee the CBA Ingle Farm branch had hosted. The experience strengthened her communication skills and gave her an early introduction to working alongside experienced professionals.
“I was 14 when I came in for my interview by myself. It was definitely nerve-wracking, but I had so much support in the branch. Everyone was really in my corner.
“After seeing what my sister gained from the traineeship, I knew it was something I wanted to do too.”
For Kasaiar Peace, the experience provided a supported transition from school into the workplace – helping her mature, develop practical business skills and discover the value of learning on the job.
“If you don’t have a plan yet for after school, I would recommend a traineeship.
“My traineeship has definitely made me step into the adult world and has given me an eye-opener. It made me mature a lot.”
Together, their journeys highlight the many ways the program can make an impact – from opening doors to long-term careers and developing workplace skills, to inspiring young people to pursue opportunities they may never have considered.
