Ten enthusiastic Year 11 School-based Trainees (SbATs) from Newman Senior Technical College (NSTC) commenced traineeships with the Parish last week and attended a specially designed trainee orientation and induction program at the Parish Administration Centre (PAC) on Thursday, 17 March.

The day involved the formalities of signing training and employment contracts and getting to know the Parish services where they will complete their traineeships.  It also featured guest speakers including our Chief Executive Officer, Adam Spencer, Jenna Sales from the Safety & Wellbeing team, and Lee Spencer, Wellbeing & Mental Wellness Practitioner.

Adam welcomed the new trainee cohort and shared with them some of the success stories from past and present Parish SbATs.

Jenna spoke passionately about Work Health & Safety in the Parish, and Lee presented a person-centred presentation focusing on self-care and how to deal with challenging circumstances the trainees may face in the workplace and throughout their career pathways.

Tracy Baker, Manager of St Agnes’ Site, attended the morning session to sit with the Human Services  (RAC’s) trainees, their parents and NSTC teacher, Sue Leahy, to share what is involved in the position and how the students will progress through their traineeship.

Leonie Wardrop from Human Resources said the “day was very successful with positive feedback received from all involved”.

“The new structure of the school-based traineeship program and aligned onboarding process, including the full day orientation and induction session was very well received. The students, and parents, had time to ask questions, engage in open conversations and not only connect with each other but also the services we provide across the Parish,” Leonie said.

“We are excited to continue to build this strong partnership in our school-based traineeship program with Newman Senior Technical College over the coming years”, she concluded.

PAC supplied treats for morning tea and pizza for lunch, which the SbATs enjoyed in the Parish BBQ  area while they connected as a group before commencing the afternoon session. The Human Services trainees remained at PAC for additional induction with Jac Padden, while the other trainees returned to their work sites for site specific activities.

This cohort of SbATs have been excited to accept opportunities across the Parish: one in ICT at PAC, one in Donnelly House, two in St Joseph’s Family Services and six in our RAC’s.

They will  work one day a week across these services until they reach Year 12 later in the year then this will increase to two days a week.

If you see them around the services, say hello and make them feel welcome!