Taking a Gap Year Opened Up a World of Opportunities
Proud Aboriginal Woman Bronte Madden took on a gap year to figure out what she wanted to do in her career. She decided to take on a traineeship to make some extra cash in her year off, but little did she know all the opportunities that would come out of her traineeship experience.
“I was so surprised by how many opportunities the traineeship can offer you,” said Bronte.
“From finishing school and not knowing what to do, to now having so many different options to consider,” she added.
Bronte had always planned to take a gap year after high school to really explore what career path to take and also to work, save and maybe travel.
“Although I enjoyed my subjects in high school, I didn’t know what to study in uni just yet. I think to be expected to know what you want to do after you finish high school is not realistic.
Having a gap year helped me to organise my thoughts, to explore my interests and at the same time save money and experience full-time work.”
Bronte decided to take on a traineeship at the ANZ bank in Tamworth NSW. She was drawn to AFL SportsReady because of the focus they have on Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander Young people.
“I thought working in the bank will be pretty cool and through the traineeship, I get to study a Certificate III in Business which I thought would be great to have on my resume.
I also loved how AFL SportsReady have traineeships designed for Indigenous young people even providing trainees with a Mentor to help them along the way. I have found the experience so far really supportive.”
Within 6 months of her traineeship, Bronte continued to grow at ANZ bank and tackle more responsibilities.
“I was working as a bank teller, managing the cash handling and working in customer service. Then as I progressed, I was given the opportunity to complete my RBI course which qualifies me to be a two-tier advisor. This means I can keep moving up in the industry!”
Bronte wasn’t sure if she would like banking but 6 months into her traineeship and she loves it.
“I can’t get enough! I really think I can further my career in banking and I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity.
After I finish this year I will have a Certificate III in Business behind me and a year of working in the bank. So, I can choose to continue my studies at Uni through AFL SportsReady’s different uni pathway options, or I can continue working in the banking industry.
There are honestly so many opportunities that a traineeship holds, and it is perfect if you are still unsure on what you want to do when you finish school, me being a pure example! I felt so lost at the start of the year, but now I feel like my life is open to so many amazing pathways.”
If you are fresh out of high school and looking to explore opportunities for your career path.
View and apply for traineeships at the Jobs Board
Never miss new opportunities, subscribe for Job Alerts
Or follow us on Instagram for regular updates
DATE: 10th February 2020 (Updated 13 Dec 2022) | Marissa Pagliarello
IMAGE: Bronte Madden
