My first week in my traineeship has been flat out and full of meeting people that have all been incredibly supportive. I feel very lucky to be in the position I am in as I can learn from people that started out as trainee too, and have worked their way up to the positions that they’re in now. Chelsea is my supervisor and has been incredible during my first week, including me in meetings, showing me around and has been very accommodating.

As the Community Partnerships Trainee, I will be working across different teams, and I have been lucky enough to start with the YO Bendigo team. I’ve only been with the team for a week, but I think I’ll still be hanging around them even after I start working in another unit as they are so welcoming and kind.

I applied for a traineeship as learning while on the job is how I learn best, and a traineeship also gives me the chance to be mentored by industry experts. I was originally quite nervous about applying for this position as I didn’t think I met all the requirements. With some gentle persuasion from family, I decided to put myself forward and at least go through the application and interviewing process for the experience. When I was contacted and told that I was the successful applicant, I was blown away. I think it took me two days to believe that I was now a trainee with the City of Greater Bendigo. I started telling friends and family how incredibly lucky I was and asking how to show how grateful I was. Everyone told me to just do my best and succeed. Every day, I am surrounded by people that want me to succeed and give me the tools and resources to do it.

Through my traineeship, I will gain a certificate IV in business administration, earn a wage, and learn from professionals in my field all at the same time. Chelsea has given me the opportunity to help with this year’s Fruit Punch event, giving me the chance to see every part of planning an event from the very start to the end.

At the end of my first week, I feel like I have already learned so much but also that I still have so much to look forward to. I’ve done design work, data entry, getting quotes, learning how Excel works, creating schedules, and much more.

I’ve been enjoying working with the YO team as everyone is very welcoming and ready to answer any questions I may have. I feel privileged to be able to work with the youth team and learn from them while helping to bring their ideas to life. 

I’m now starting the second week of my traineeship, and I have no regrets. I’m learning new systems, how to create management plans, and how to engage with young people and I’m genuinely thrilled to be doing so.