Proud Mum of Three First Nations Trainees
In a first at AFL SportsReady, three proud Yorta Yorta siblings from Bendigo, are taking on a school-based traineeship at the same time and inspiring each other along the way. The trio’s mother, Rebecca Kerr, believes that traineeships can change your children’s lives.
“In my family, only one of my nieces graduated year 12, but this program is not only giving them a drive for their future career but a determination to finish school,” said Ms Kerr.
Ms Kerr never finished year 10, so she wanted to give her kids the opportunities she never had.
“As a parent and having three kids go through the traineeship program, I know I have made the right choice in encouraging them to do this. I can see their confidence grow, their drive to keep moving forward, the real-world experience they have gained and all while they are still at school,” said Ms. Kerr.
It was Georgia Males who got the ball rolling in her family. When she took on a traineeship at the Commonwealth Bank (CBA) in year 11. Since then, Georgia’s traineeship has been extended having made such a positive impact at her branch in Strath Village. Georgia was also awarded AFL SportsReady’s 2020 Victorian Indigenous Trainee of the Year award.
“Georgia just thrives in her traineeship. She used to be a pretty shy girl, but this experience has boosted her confidence, and she is doing so well, so much so that she hopes to gain full-time employment after her traineeship, and I believe no doubt she will.
She has everything she needs now to succeed in the workforce, from skillset to maturity,” added Ms Kerr.”
Georgia’s brother Tony was so inspired by his sister he decided to follow in her footsteps and take on a traineeship also at the CBA but at the Eaglehawk branch.
“Tony is completing a school-based traineeship in Business while in year 12, and loving it. I can see how much it is preparing him for life outside of high school but at the same time shaping him into being a responsible young adult.”
Seeing the success of her older brother and sister, Marykia, the youngest of the three at only 15, is completing her Business Traineeship at Bendigo and District Aboriginal Cooperative (BDAC).
“All three are constantly motivating, inspiring, and encouraging each other. They are all so driven to complete and then carry everything they gain into their career moving forward.”
In addition, the siblings are supported by their AFL SportsReady Field Officer. Michael Caruso, Educator, Keith Smith, and Mentor Ralph White.
“I can’t stress enough how much I and my kids have been supported throughout this journey. We are guided by three incredibly passionate people who put in everything so the kids can leave the traineeship with real outcomes.
Just to show you the amount of care, even when Ralph was on his holidays, he would still call and message me to see how my kids were going. He even put aside time on his holiday to prepare Marykia before she started. It was just unbelievable.”
Ms Kerr hopes more parents, especially those young First Nations, encourage their children to consider a traineeship in school or post-school.
“I speak from experience, and I speak as a parent, the traineeship can change your children’s lives.”
If you’ve recently completed your Traineeship, join our Alumni!
With over 29 years of experience providing quality job opportunities and launching the careers of thousands of young Australians. AFL SportsReady offers diverse and thrilling opportunities that could take your career to the next level.
Whether you’re just starting out in your career or looking to take it in a new direction, AFL SportsReady has something to offer. With a commitment to quality training and support, you can be sure that you’ll have the tools you need to succeed.
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4th of February 2021 | AUTHOR: Marissa Pagliarello (Edited 20 Dec 2022)
IMAGE: Marykia, Georgia & Tony Males
