Trainees make an impact in Regional Schools
Three young Victorians are making an impact at a country primary school, thanks to their AFL SportsReady traineeship.
Former trainee, Bridgette Hall, completed her traineeship in 2010 and is currently working at St Joseph’s in her dream profession as a Primary School Teacher.
‘Before I started my traineeship I had deferred University to pursue studies in Journalism and Media. After 6 weeks into my traineeship, I discovered that I was much more passionate about teaching,’ said Bridgette.
‘I loved helping the students, especially those who needed extra support. I changed my preferences to teaching after discovering this was the career for me and doing the traineeship helped me realise this,’ she added.
Bridgette went on to study primary school teaching at the Australian Catholic University before securing her full-time role.
Similarly, Sam Caruso was also inspired by his traineeship experience, pursuing a career in education after graduating.
‘In my traineeship I rotated between 3 primary schools in Wangaratta working in the PE departments I learnt a range of skills, everything from classroom management to communication with students and parents,’ explained Sam.
‘I also gained an understanding of the curriculum and operations of the school and the diverse range of teaching styles which inspired me to develop my own.’
As part of his traineeship experience, Sam was introduced to a program called Blueearth, a national health charity promoting physical activity to young Australians. The schools he worked in participated with the program and during his time Sam would regularly take part in their sessions.
‘I absolutely loved what Blueearth were all about and after my traineeship while studying my University degree I managed to get a placement with the foundation.’
Sam now works full-time with Blueearth as a Physical Activity Officer, managing ten schools throughout the area. Coincidently one of the schools being St Joseph’s Primary school where Bridgette teaches.
‘I believe my traineeship helped me get to where I am today. The skills and experiences I gained assisted my decision to pursue education and become a P.E teacher. More importantly, I wouldn’t have had the chance to get involved with Blueearth,’ said Sam.
This year St Joseph’s is taking on their very first trainee, Daniel Dunning who is currently fulfilling an IT traineeship and just like Bridgette and Sam the school forsees an exciting future for him. Hopefully at the school.
AFL Sports Ready’s Regional Victorian Field Officer, Michael Caruso, believes school traineeships are a smart move for future teachers as it enables them to get a taste of what teaching will be like before investing in a University degree.
‘The motivation for most school trainees is to successfully transition into a teaching course the following year, so in essence, a traineeship prepares our next batch of educators very effectively.” Said Mr Caruso.
‘Those Trainees that love it will choose teaching whilst those that struggle will opt to change their career pathway. Either way, traineeships have a tendency to funnel people into the most suitable career pathway,’ he added.
WHAT ARE TRAINEESHIPS?
Traineeships are paid, employment and education training programs that give you a nationally recognised qualification. They are usually full-time, but can also be part-time or school-based. If you’d like to find out more and a place to submit an expression of interest at this link.
View current Traineeship availability and apply at the Jobs Board.
If you never want to miss new opportunities make sure you subscribe for new Job Alerts
Or follow us
Image: Bridgette Hall teaching
