SA Trainees continue to impress

The Port Adelaide Football Club’s Lisa Wilford has been recognised as AFL SportsReady’s South Australian Trainee of the Year, announced at a special graduation ceremony in Adelaide.

Wilford’s supervisor, Events and Game Day Manager at Port Adelaide Football Club Tara MacLeod, could not fault Lisa’s impeccable work ethic and attitude in the office despite completing her traineeship during a demanding time as the club launched its return to playing games at the redeveloped Adelaide Oval.

“It would have been a challenging time for Lisa but she was highly committed to the cause and immediately achieved a high calibre of work.”

Lisa quickly earned the respect of her team members with her outstanding show of support and selfless attitude. She became an integral member of the team and at the end of her traineeship her colleagues decided she was too good to part with.

“Lisa has been an asset to our team and indeed the club and it was with pleasure that she was offered permanent full time employment,” said Ms Macleod.

The 51 South Australian graduates completed studies in areas across sport and recreation, business, community services and horticulture, while undergoing traineeships at sporting organisations, schools and in the community and finance sectors. 

A further 406 AFL SportsReady trainees will graduate in various ceremonies across the country, including 121 Indigenous trainees.

Special guests included Adelaide Crows midfielder and young gun Mitch Grigg and former AFL SportsReady trainees Alex Pietrus and Daniel Hill who took to the stage to share their career journeys and provide valuable advice to the graduating class of 2014/15.

Isla Mapleson was also recognised for her work with Seaton Swim Centre, taking out the HostPLUS Rising Star award.

Pool Manager Geri Kearney supervised Isla throughout the year and described her as a person who “Added sparkle to the area she taught and this was evident on the faces of the children when they knew they were having her as a teacher.”

Her impact at the Seaton Swim Club was implausible. Ms Kearny was astounded by the positive feedback and results she received from students, parents and teachers alike.

“Isla’s enthusiasm has influenced many of our instructors who now see their job from Isla’s perspective and her classes are always full with her being our most requested teacher,” said Ms Kearney.

Picking up the Trade Schools for the Future School Based Trainee of the Year Award was Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainee, Megan Dermody from ANZ (Munno Para Branch).

Megan’s former Manager Karen Wolfaden could not believe how her confidence and skills grew so dramatically over the two year traineeship and descried her as a “committed and active” employee.

“Megan is now employed by ANZ as a casual service consultant and has the potential to progress in her banking career!” Ms Wolfaden proudly said.

Michael Smart, State Manager was incredibly pleased with the quality, talent and commitment of each and every trainee for 2014/2015.

“We've had a really good year in South Australia with more young people getting involved in our program. The quality of our trainees has always been of a very high standard and this year was no exception. I'd like to congratulate not only the award winners and nominees but all of the graduating trainees who have shown great commitment and passion throughout the term of their traineeships.

Tonight is a great example of how strong partnerships between AFL SportsReady, employers and trainees deliver positive outcomes for all involved,” said Mr Smart.

AFL SportsReady CEO James Montgomery was equally impressed with South Australia’s graduating class and also praised the role host employers play in contributing to the development of their trainees.

“We are passionate about helping young people create a rewarding career in sport, recreation, horticulture, business and finance and we have recently expanded into the arts and creative sector through a new specialised program, ArtsReady. Without the support of our partners we would not be able to provide a young person with this opportunity.

The graduation ceremonies are a great way to recognise the achievements and hard work of all our trainees and we wish them luck as they embark on the next part of their career journey,” Mr Montgomery concluded.

DATE: Thursday 2 April, 2015
IMAGE: AFL SportsReady’s South Australian Trainee of the Year, Lisa Wilford.