By Natalie Gallenti
Madison, who will commence Year 12 VCAL this year, said she decided to undertake the program in order to get some hands-on experience in the workforce.
And once school commences, she will continue to work one day a week.
“We all have to get away from high school eventually and into the big world,” Madison said.
She said working at the branch had been a whole new experience for her and while she was nervous on her first few days, the surroundings had become familiar and her workmates had made her feel right at home.
The traineeship is part of the Indigenous Employment Strategy, which forms part of the Commonwealth Bank’s Reconciliation Action Plan. The Bank’s RAP is a formalised commitment to Indigenous Australians which was launched in July, 2008.
Manager Indigenous Employment and Training Phil Lockyer, said the Commonwealth Bank was committed to creating opportunities for indigenous people and communities to develop their skills and build a career in the financial services industry.
“Not only do these traineeships offer indigenous students the opportunity to gain valuable workplace skills and confidence, but they can also lead to permanent employment following their completion of high school,” Mr Lockyer said.
And Madison hopes to pursue a career in the financial sector when she completes school – something she would never have imagined even a year ago. But now back to school and with a traineeship to complete the future has never looked brighter.
