Spotlight shines in the west
The spotlight is well and truly shining on AFL SportsReady’s West Australian class of 2014/15 as they celebrated their achievements in a special graduation ceremony at Domain Stadium WA.
Over 55 West Australian trainees including 25 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainees graduated from the AFL SportsReady program in front of a lively crowd of family, friends and special guests. A further 402 trainees and 121 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainees have graduated nationally this year.
Bella Ndayikeze took out the top honours after being awarded the WA 2015 AFL SportsReady Trainee of the Year. Bella was based at the West Australian Football Commission (WAFC) and was recognised for her performance in the workplace as well as her educational achievements.
Bella demonstrated dedication in her roll, and performed above and beyond expectation, becoming so integral to the team they have offered her a full time role with the commission.
The WAFC’s Community Engagement Manager, Paul Mugambwa, described Bella as an amazing young professional, after witnessing her build her skill set and develop into an integral staff member.
Mr Mugambwa believes Bella’s professionalism rivaled that of her long term colleagues, “Bella’s enthusiasm, professionalism and passion is inspirational to everyone she has contact with. Her initiative is remarkable at such a young age and every week I receive positive feedback about her effort from stakeholders in the community and co-workers including our CEO.”
“As a result of Bella’s commitment she has effectively increased the awareness for our programs and events at unprecedented levels. The staff now utilise her expertise to help develop and deliver their marketing campaigns”, Mr Mugambwa said.
School based trainee, Kassidy Fulmer was recognised as the 2015 HOSTPLUS Rising Star for her contribution to the ANZ Bank’s Katanning branch.
District Manager for the WA Southern District and Kassidy’s supervisor, Doris Schneider, was blown away by her enthusiasm and work ethic from the day she started.
“From day one, Kassidy impressed me! She presented herself professionally and always found new ways in her role to develop new skills, always willing to take her abilities to the next level.”
Mrs Schneider praised Kassidy for her warm demeanour and constant support towards ANZ customers, describing her as a happy spirit who always greeted customers with a smile, ready to provide assistance.
“Throughout the year, Kassidy constantly developed her skills and I can see her making an even greater impact at ANZ in her up and coming professional career with us.”
“Kassidy is a valued member of our team and she is the perfect example of how the trainee program is a success”, said Mrs Schneider.
Recently appointed AFL SportsReady WA State Manager, Shirley McPherson was excited by the quality and talent of all graduating trainees.
“It’s such an amazing experience to witness the personal development of our trainees. They are a wonderful group of enthusiastic and inspirational people, who are now equipped to take that next career step.”
AFL SportsReady CEO James Montgomery said the event recognises and celebrates the goals and achievements of the graduating trainees.
“The Class of 2014/15 have all worked so hard to set themselves a pathway to a bright and promising career,” said Mr Montgomery.
Mr Montgomery also praised the role host employers play in contributing to the development of their trainees.
“What we do is really about partnerships. We don't do any of our work alone. We help businesses with solutions to their employment problems, we make it simple to take on a trainee, we help young people get the foot in the door of a career, and we work with everyone to make it work for all concerned.”
“We aim to set young people up for success by providing them with an opportunity to launch their own career, and there is no better example of that than the West Australian class of 2014/15.”
“We wish all our trainees luck as they embark on the next part of their career journey,” Mr Montgomery concluded.
DATE: Saturday, 11th APRIL 2015
ARTICLE: Marissa Pagliarello
IMAGE: Kassidy Fulmer, 2015 HOSTPLUS Rising Star and James Montgomery, CEO AFL SportsReady
