South Australian Students Recognised

Future leaders, Fraser Porteous and Tayla Lombardi have been recognised as AFL SportsReady’s South Australian Trainees of the Year, announced at a special graduation ceremony in Adelaide.

AFL SportsReady SA State Manager Michael Smart said Balhannah’s Fraser Porteous had excelled in his Sport and Recreation traineeship, completed in partnership with host employer Immanuel College. “Fraser is a great example of how strong partnerships between AFL SportsReady, employers and trainees deliver positive outcomes for all involved,” Mr Smart said. 

“After completing his traineeship, which included a Certificate III in Sport and Recreation, Fraser’s interest in teaching was confirmed and he has now moved onto university studies.

“AFL SportsReady is passionate about helping young people create a rewarding career in sport, recreation, business, finance, horticulture and other industries, and we are proud of the high number of our trainees just like Fraser, who go on to further study or work in their chosen fields.”

Fraser’s supervisor at Immanuel College, Lisa Smythe, described him a committed and outstanding trainee. “Fraser’s willingness to listen and use feedback and advice to ensure improvement and success was outstanding. His sincerity and empathy with young people point clearly to very successful future relationships with people over a wide age range,” Ms Smythe said.

Fraser said the traineeship was an invaluable part of his tertiary studies. “Once I have completed my four year degree I hope to be able to get a job back at Immanuel where my journey all began,” Fraser said. 

Also receiving an award at the graduation ceremony at the Glenelg Golf Club on Friday night, was Marden’s Tayla Lombardi, who received the Trade Schools for the Future School-based Trainee of the Year, after completing a Certificate II in Financial Services at the Commonwealth Bank’s Klemzig branch.

Commonwealth Bank branch manager Michelle Harris said Tayla, one of five Indigenous trainees to graduate this year, had gone on to work part-tine with the bank, and was a great example of how student could flourish and grow with support through a traineeship. 

The 103 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.

“Choosing our award winners is never easy and we had a high calibre group work with AFL SportsReady across the state in 2012,” Mr Smart said. “However, Fraser and Tayla’s maturity, enthusiasm and strong leadership skills made them standout trainees.”  

AFL SportsReady CEO James Montgomery said the not-for-profit company was proud to work in partnership with businesses, sporting organisations, clubs and other companies across the state to ensure all graduates had the best chance at success beyond the sporting field. “The completion of their studies, whether it be at Certificate or Diploma level, along with the invaluable experience of a traineeship, will provide these students with a strong foundation for their future careers,” Mr Montgomery said.

“As a national not-for-profit company we are driven to give all our trainees and students the best kick start to their career possible, which is why at AFL SportsReady you can expect real education, real jobs and real careers.  “The graduation ceremony is a fantastic way to recognise the achievements of these graduates, who have all worked hard to achieve success in their chosen areas, and we wish them all the best for their future endeavours.”

DATE: Friday 10 May, 2013
IMAGE: Tayla Lombardi (School-based Trainee of the Year), Fraser Porteous (Trainee of the Year) & James Montgomery, AFL SportsReady CEO.  

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