2022 SATA Trainee of the Year Finalists

Having completed her traineeship in February this year, Ashlee has been employed full-time as a customer service officer with her former host employer, Conscious Healthcare SA.

Ashlee is currently studying a Certificate IV in Human Resource Management to further her skills and knowledge in the management of personnel, training and development, safety and health, and talent acquisition.

“As a professional young woman in the workforce, I continue to grow and develop both personally and professionally to achieve my goals,” Ashlee says.

“My Mum is my biggest inspiration. I have watched her take the decision to change her career path and then implement the steps to ensure her success.”

“My biggest mentors have been Nina McMahon and Kate Erskine, both successful, professional women, who have encouraged and inspired me to achieve my very best.”

Ashlee’s plan is to leverage her business administrative skills, knowledge of the health industry and the NDIS, and her newly acquired and developing skills and training in human resource management, to become a human resource or service manager.

“It is my desire to inspire others, as I have been inspired, and to be a champion and a leader for other young women encouraging them to achieve their best.”

“I reflect on my journey everyday... this is just the beginning for me and at 20, I am so excited to be launching into my lifelong career.”

“I congratulate all the nominees, look forward to hearing the finalist’s stories and wish them every success.”

William is currently completing an Internship with Primary Producers SA, following a traineeship at the Department of Treasury and Finance and a Certificate III in Business from TAFE SA.. Whilst completing his internship at Primary Producers SA, William is also studying full-time at UniSA, completing a Bachelor of Business (Economics, Finance & Trade).

“Whilst attending high school I had the chance to complete a certificate III in Micro Business with TAFE SA through the schools VET program,” William says.

“This opportunity really made me aware of what vocational education had to offer and only reaffirmed my goal to do a traineeship.”

“For as long as I can remember I have wanted to make a positive contribution to my community and to the future of Australia.”

In 2019, William was named Loxton and Riverland Young Citizen of the Year and in 2022 William has been fortunate to enough to receive both the prestigious CAS Hawker and George Alexander Scholarships.

“I want to continue to give back to my community after all I have been given.”

“I would not have been able to get to where I am without the support of my family, community, and the mentoring I received through my schooling and traineeship.”

Phillip recently completed a Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) through TIME Education and Training, employed by MEGT Group Training and hosted by DHS Disability Services.

Through this traineeship, Phillip has been able to secure permanent ongoing work as a disability service officer for the Department of Human Services.

“As the youngest brother of three, I have always looked at my brothers trying to find inspiration,” Phillip says.

“Both of my brothers work as Youth Support Workers, so I looked forward to working in a support role.”

Phillip was born in Adelaide, but moved to Bialystok, in Poland at the age of 6, where he ended up spending 13 years.

Shortly after his return to Australia in 2013, he completed his Bachelor's degree in Business (Management).

“I believe that having a chance to meet so many people, with such different cultures made me who I am today,” Phillip says.

“Choosing this career path was the best decision of my life. I get to do what I love, and I get to earn money at the same time.”

“I am very open-minded and non-judgemental. Those traits make me a great support worker.”

“I am known for my constructive, and honest feedback, and I believe I have the spark, and energy to change the disability sector for the better.”

Sarah was employed as a customer service representative at Datacom Connect, Modbury in 2018. Having recently completed her traineeship, studying Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Sarah has been promoted into a permanent full-time role as a Training Facilitator in Datacom’s Learning and Development team.

“My previous place of work was Coles, where I was able to provide face-to-face customer service,” Sarah says.

“I had regulars who would only come through my checkout and called me ‘smiley’.”

“I was able to support new staff and was chosen to learn new skills.”

“I enjoyed being able to help customers in retail, however after seven years at Coles, I realised it was time for a change and wanted an opportunity to grow and develop additional skills.”

Having completed previous study in community and social services, Sarah wanted to find a work environment where she would be able to provide genuine care and support to callers, some of whom may be vulnerable or have complex needs requiring detailed solutions.

“My overall goal was, and still is, to help people and provide an exceptional customer experience.”

Sarah was offered the opportunity by Datacom to complete a Traineeship studying Certificate IV Training and Assessment.

“Completing the traineeship has benefited me in several ways, the most important of which have been building my own self-confidence and providing me with theoretical and foundation skills required.”

“This has enabled me to design and deliver meaningful training presentations for a range of new and existing employees.”

“Sharing my experience and knowledge has made a positive impact on others and gives me great personal satisfaction.”