Why a Traineeship is the Perfect Thing to do in a Gap Year
Sophie Morton believes she found her calling thanks to her traineeship. From having no idea what to do after finishing high school, Sophie now has a job working as an Integration Aid at Kosciuszko Street Primary School in Traralgon, where she did her traineeship.
“Doing a traineeship in my gap year has really paid off because I discovered what I love to do.
And I am only 19 years old,” she added.
Sophie never planned to do a traineeship in her gap year and never thought about teaching as a possible career path, but when she saw the role for Education Assistant at Kosciuszko Street Primary School she thought why not give it a go.
“I love working with children and I have been told I have a lot of patience, so it seemed like an interesting opportunity. I would work at the school for 12 months, earn some money and a qualification. It just seemed like the perfect thing to do in a gap year, especially when travelling was out of the question.”
Almost instantly Sophie fell in love with the profession.
“It was like a light bulb moment for me. Everything made sense to me. I loved everything about this role because every day was something different, every day was so much fun. It was interesting, rewarding, it was everything and it became clear, this was the career pathway for me.”
Sophie studied a Certificate III in Education Support and enjoyed every moment of her traineeship journey.
“My supervisor at the school was amazing! The staff were so supportive, and the students were great. I was given the opportunity to go into every class and meet the kids and within the first few weeks I could name every child in the school.”
Sophie also got to go to school camps and participate in extracurricular activities.
“I was involved in so many parts of the school, from events to the camps. I have to say the camps were awesome! I got to go on two last year, one in the bush where we played on giant swings and flying foxes and the other at a beach. I got to witness children visiting the beach for the very first time in their lives, that was pretty special.”
Aside from all the fun stuff, there is a study component that compliments the practical part of the traineeship.
“I really loved doing the qualification because it was like you read about it one day and then action it the next. So, everything we learnt through the course we applied in the traineeship really helped reinforce the learning.
I think what also helps is having an amazing Field Officer and Educator to support you. I had Yvonne and she was constantly checking in, making sure I was okay with the work and study, which I was, but It was so nice having someone to talk to and share your experience with.”
After her traineeship, Sophie gained full-time employment at the school, in a role where she works alongside students one on one and kids who may need extra support.
“I didn’t want to leave the school, so I am really happy I get to stay here another year. At the same time, I am hoping to study Primary School Teacher as this is 100% the career I want to pursue.”
Sophie’s final advice to Secondary school leavers feeling unsure what to do next.
“If you do a traineeship, you won’t regret it. It’s a hands-on environment, you don’t need prior experience, you meet the most amazing people and often it results in a job. You learn so much and it brings you so much happiness and at 19 I really feel like I have found my life’s purpose.”
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DATE: 14th of Feb 2022 | Marissa Pagliarello
IMAGE: Sophie Morton
