High Achiever Through Dedication and Support
Alexandra Haslam never expected to win AFL SportsReady’s NSW/ACT Trainee of the Year for 2024. But her relentless dedication and hard work earned her recognition.
Did I expect to win a trainee award?
Absolutely not.
I was super proud of my commitment and dedication to the jobs as well as my learnings, but never anticipated winning an award.
As a Trainee, Alexandra took on the role of Faculty Associate in Primary Education at Lumen Christi Catholic College. Where she managed a wide range of tasks, from organising religious retreats for students aged five to eighteen to supporting school camps and assisting in classroom teaching.
When I graduated in 2021, teachers at the school prompted me to apply for the AFL SportsReady traineeship. After completing interviews, forms, going through the processes, I was successful in my application and began my traineeship in 2022.
What makes Alexandra’s story particularly compelling is her ability to balance multiple commitments. While excelling in her traineeship, she was also pursuing her Bachelor of Education, completing her Certificate IV in Business and earning a Certificate of Registration in Real Estate. Juggling these tasks required careful time management and a commitment to growth and Alexandra delivered on every front.
It was not a simple task, but we made it. And I say ‘we,’ as I could not have completed those two years without the support of the school community, my educator from AFL SportsReady and my family.
During her time at Lumen Christi;
the college recognised her potential and created a dedicated primary school role for her in 2023.
Whether it was conducting tests for younger students, co-directing a school musical, or participating in camps and retreats, Alexandra fully embraced every new responsibility and challenge.
The hands-on experience, combined with real-world learning, gave me a level of practical knowledge that I wouldn’t have gained through theory alone.
A strong support network played a vital role in Alexandra’s success.
She credits her supervisor, Cristal Dinwoodie, for shaping her professional development in areas like classroom management and student engagement.
Equally, her AFL SportsReady educator, Kylie Spragg, provided the guidance Alexandra needed to apply the business knowledge she was learning to real-world situations.
The support networks provided throughout my traineeship were absolutely phenomenal from each and every single person, but particularly my supervisor and educator.
Looking back, Alexandra says she would choose a traineeship again in a heartbeat. The practical experience she gained alongside her studies gave her insights she never would have obtained from classroom learning alone. Her advice to young people considering a traineeship is simple:
It’s a fantastic way to gain valuable skills and experience while also earning a qualification and setting yourself up for future success.
Each experience, whether a success or a challenge, shaped my professional growth, allowing me to become more self-assured and proactive.
Today, Alexandra remains as driven as ever. She now works part-time in early child care, runs her own independent support work business and continues to pursue her Bachelor of Education. Looking ahead, she’s even considering taking her teaching skills abroad to gain new experiences.
Alexandra Haslam, AFL SportsReady NSW/ACT Trainee of the Year 2024
