NextGen Jobs (NGJ) is proving you can run traineeships remotely, even for staff who’ve never worked on your business premises.
Starting her traineeship remotely means Ava hasn’t known a different way of working.
Young Melbournians placed in traineeships by NGJ since the COVID-19 shutdowns started (and returned in August), are thriving in their roles, even though they have never physically met their team or been to the workplace.
One of them is Ava Schrama, a 19-year-old, who started her business traineeship remotely with the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), employer partner of NGJ, in April 2020. It’s a one-year program, where she’ll earn while she learns on the job, as well as complete her Certificate III in Business through the Western Business School (RTO), which is also being done on-line!
Ava comments “I’m learning quickly in the role, and have become more independent. I’ve even developed a professional persona and am noticing the way I communicate is more advanced and professional”.
She came to this role with a fair bit of part-time retail experience, that included working at The Reject Shop in Year 9, then Coles, and after she finished her schooling, worked as a casual at Bunnings until securing the traineeship.
“I struggled at school. It was only when I was in my final years of high school and I began business studies, that school clicked for me. I really enjoyed it. It was easy to learn, and I did extremely well.”
“I realised when I graduated from high school, I couldn’t go straight into a dream career. I had to work and build myself up before I could tackle those challenges. I saw a business traineeship as a great stepping-stone to help develop my skills and advance my career,” Ava says.
Starting her traineeship remotely means Ava hasn’t known a different way of working
“I’ve adapted and don’t feel like I’m missing out. I actually feel like it’s better for me working remotely as I’ve had to learn so much, and build my independence quickly as a trainee to make it easier for myself.”
“There’s been plenty of guidance from the department and NGJ. Not having the support right next to you can be hard. It’s made me find answers for myself before by getting onto the phone and ringing someone the moment I have a question.”
Her role is in the Disability and Communities branch of DHHS, and is the central hub of communication for the team by managing the workflow system, allocating the tasks and monitoring their progress. Ava also performs data entry and cross-referencing of data in excel.
And her biggest challenge? It’s motivating herself to take a break from her work and studies, and go for a walk. However, Ava says she loves having the option of working outside on a nice day to get some sun.
To would-be trainees, Ava says this “Definitely do it. It’s a challenge, but it will make you grow as a person quickly in many different ways.”
So what can you do?
NextGen Jobs have a wide and deep range of supports for both our employer partners and trainees to commence and thrive in the remote working world. In addition, and for a limited time only, we are offering a skills and employment bonus for any business that takes on a new trainee. Click here for details and take advantage of our expertise in sourcing and placing the right people for your business.
