Indigenous traineeship opens doors for Nathan

May 08, 2007

University of Wollongong trainee Nathan Green is looking to build a new career after switching from carpentry to take up an Indigenous traineeship in administration at the university’s Shoalhaven Campus.

Eighteen-year-old Nathan, from Nowra, started the 12-month traineeship in March after answering an advertisement in the local newspaper.

Nathan, who completed Year 10 at Nowra High School in 2004, had been looking for a new direction after finding that the building industry wasn’t for him.

“It’s the best job I’ve ever had,” he said. “It’s much better for me than the building industry.”

As part of his traineeship Nathan attends TAFE classes on the Shoalhaven Campus one day a week to study Certificate II in Business Administration.

Nathan’s role includes administration work, assisting executive staff and attending to student enquires at the reception desk.

Nathan says he is enjoying the new experience and is keen to learn as much as possible. He is particularly impressed with the level of encouragement and support he has received from the staff.

“It is such a happy workplace,” he said. “The staff are so helpful and the students are always smiling”.

UOW Director of Employment, Equity and Diversity Lynne Wright explained the government-subsidised traineeships were designed to give Indigenous people an opportunity to launch new careers.

“The program gives the trainees the opportunity for hands-on applications for what they learn at TAFE,” Ms Wright said.

The traineeships are currently filled in several areas within the university including the Centre for Educational Development and Interactive Resources (CEDIR), Print and Distribution, Arts and Indigenous Health.

Ms Wright attributes the success of the program to the ongoing support and assistance from the Department of Employment and Workplace Training, TAFE and the support provided by staff in the faculties and units where trainees are placed.

Ms Wright said UOW is committed to offering trainees ongoing support at the end of the 12 months to assist them with continuing employment.

Nathan already has ambitions to further his education upon completion of his traineeship.

“I would like to study the Bachelor of Business Administration, then possibly the Masters of Management after that,” he said. His long term goals involve entering the business sector.

– MELISSA FLEMING