Kasaiar’s Future Investment with CBA

AFL SportsReady’s First Nations Trainee Kasaiar Peace has been making incredible progress at the CBA since she started her traineeship earlier this year. Her journey has been a significant leap into learning and personal growth, setting a strong foundation for her future career.

I have had to learn a lot.

Kasaiar shares, reflecting on her experiences so far. The transition from school to a full-time working environment is undoubtedly challenging, but she has embraced it with enthusiasm and determination.

John Hollows (AFL SportsReady Mentor) has been amazing and super supportive.

Emphasising the crucial role of her mentor in helping her navigate the complexities of the new job.

---

Kasaiar’s Proud Connection to Country is important to her.

Mum’s side:

• Grandfather connects to Pitta Pitta Country [Northwest Queensland]
• Grandmother connects to the Butchulla People from K’gari Country [Fraser Island]
• Great Grandfather (Grandmother’s side) Ngugi from QUANDAMOOKA People
• Great Grandmother (Mother line) connected to Mununjali People [Beaudesert]
• Great Grandfather connected to Bundjalung People [Tweed River]

Dad’s side:

• Fiji, Coral Coast and Auckland, New Zealand

---

AFL SportsReady’s Warumilang Program traineeship at CBA Acacia Ridge, QLD has proven to be a positive experience for Kasaiar.

I think the traineeship is good – once all of my onboarding work and training is done, it will be smooth sailing!

The supportive environment at the suburban branch has played a significant role in her smooth transition.

Everyone in the branch has been so welcoming.

I feel like I am always asking questions, and they don’t get annoyed with me – they are really good. They explain everything to me in detail and have taken me step by step through every task.

Kasaiar’s daily commute is a breeze, living just minutes away from the branch. This convenience adds to her overall positive experience, making it easy for her to get to work without any hassle.

Reflecting on her time so far, Kasaiar recalls how she found herself in this traineeship.

I was looking for a course to do and was encouraged to do a traineeship.

The idea of gaining a qualification, earning a salary and getting hands-on experience right out of school appealed to her. One of the key benefits of CBA’s onboarding process is the rolling credits into her Certificate III Business. Bonus!

I have recommended a traineeship to all of my friends already.

I think they are a great opportunity.

You get a qualification, paid and hands-on experience – especially being straight out of school. Traineeships are a great way to figure out what you want to do.

Initially, Kasaiar was considering community service courses but remained open-minded about exploring different opportunities.

As I was straight out of school, it is so difficult for kids my age to find a pathway. So I just wanted to give it a try.

Her open-mindedness and willingness to explore led her to the CBA branch in a small, tight-knit community, which she finds comforting and supportive.

Kasaiar has some valuable advice for other young people finishing high school and unsure about their next steps.

If you don’t have a plan yet for after school, I would recommend a traineeship.

If you don’t like it, you can always stop it and find something else.

The traineeship has not only given her professional skills but has also helped her mature.

It is definitely a big jump straight into full-time work – but I am starting to get used to it. My traineeship has definitely made me step into the adult world and has given me an eye-opener.
It made me mature a lot.

As she continues her journey, Kasaiar is optimistic about her future at CBA.

It is nice to work at a place where there is an opportunity to progress.

Looking forward to the growth and career advancement possibilities ahead. Her story highlights the value of traineeships in providing young people with the skills, experience and confidence they need to start their careers.