Queensland trainees scoop the awards pool

Queensland trainees are celebrating after taking out a high number of individual awards at the AFL SportsReady 2015 Graduation. Five unique awards were handed out to deserving trainees who each made an outstanding contribution during their traineeships.

Aviation Australia trainee Jennifer La Rue, was one of two winners in the prestigious Trainee of the Year award category up for grabs in Queensland.

‘Being presented the award felt so surreal and I couldn’t stop thinking of the amazing team I work with who got me there,’ smiled Jennifer.

Jennifer completed a Certificate III in Business while working as the Administrative Officer at Aviation Australia in Brisbane.

‘Undertaking this AFL SportsReady traineeship allowed me to learn the key elements involved in working in a business. I know this opportunity will give me the experience and key essentials to excel in my future career path,’ she added.

‘It has been a privilege to complete my traineeship around the lovely and supportive team at Aviation Australia. They each played a unique part in my journey and were always there to offer me guidance and support every step of the way,’ she said.

ANZ Bank in Dalby’s Toni Thomas, a star Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainee, claimed the second Trainee of the Year Award. Toni was involved in the AFL SportsReady program for over three and half years, starting as a school-based trainee before becoming full time.

Other award winners on the night included: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainee, Nikita Punch from ANZ Mackay, who took home the much sought after Chris Johnson Cup Award for her incredible initiative and leadership qualities in the workplace.

Also on the evening, Olivia Martyn, who completed her traineeship in the PE and Sport department at St Rita’s College, won the 2015 Hostplus Rising Star award for showing the most development and improvement throughout her traineeship.

Despite a few challenges, Olivia’s supervisor Mr John Pendall said ‘She handled the year with poise often volunteering in her own time to assist others.’

Finally, Vimal Singh received the School-based Trainee of the Year Award for his dedication and outstanding customer service skills at the Commonwealth Bank in Sunnybank.

Vimal’s manager described him as a ‘Bright, dedicated, studious and a conscientious young man who not only excelled in his traineeship but in his school work as well. If he wasn’t there customers were always asking where he was.’

AFL SportsReady congratulates all the award winners and Queensland graduates of 2015.

DATE: 4TH of May 2016

IMAGE: Jennifer La Rue with staff from her host organisation

AUTHOR: Marissa Pagliarello