Sense of Connection and Support

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Proud Adnyamathanha woman Khyleesha Welgraven is now working as a Project Support Officer at QinetiQ Pty Ltd, but her journey started well before stepping into the role.

Her first experience with AFL SportsReady came in high school, when she began a School-Based Traineeship with the Commonwealth Bank (CBA). For two years, she worked every Friday and often during school holidays.

Balancing school and work wasn’t always easy, but I was really lucky with the people I worked alongside.

At both CBA and QinetiQ, the people made me want to get up and go to work each day.

After finishing her traineeship and high school, Khyleesha wasn’t sure what direction she’d take next. That changed when her AFL SportsReady Employment Coach, Craig, gave her a call and encouraged her to apply for a full-time traineeship with QinetiQ.

It turned out to be the perfect next step. I’ve now been at QinetiQ for just over two years. I completed my traineeship here and have been in a full-time role ever since.

When she first started, Khyleesha expected her traineeship to be mostly reception and admin work, but it turned out to be much more.

I quickly realised I’d be doing a lot of project management and project support work. It wasn’t what I expected, but I really enjoyed it. I got to work across different areas of the business and build new skills, which has been really valuable.

Khyleesha says the support she received during her traineeship made a huge difference.

Craig was always checking in to see how I was going. He really cares about his trainees, which made me feel supported. My manager Bob has also been such an important person in my journey. He created a really positive environment for me to learn and grow.

For Khyleesha, her motivation comes from being open to learning and valuing her community.

I think just having a crack and wanting to learn more has always pushed me.

Leadership, for me, is about community, leaning on each other and working together. Adelaide feels like a small community and I take any opportunity I can to give back.

Alongside her role at QinetiQ, Khyleesha is also studying a Bachelor of Media and Communications, having just completed her first year at university.

Looking back, she says it’s the people from mentors like Craig and Bob to her colleagues and peers who have had the biggest impact.

They’ve all been part of shaping my journey. As I keep building my career and studies, I want to carry that same sense of connection and support with me.

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