Traineeship Leads to Super Future!
In 2018, Claire McAlinden completed her business traineeship through NextGen Jobs (NGJ), working at our valued employer partner, VicSuper. This experience has seen her develop skills that have taken her from strength to strength, in which she is now working in a role that the organisation didn’t have previously and created just for her!
Upon completing secondary school, Claire was like so many young people, looking for an opportunity to forge a career and develop her skills, though not entirely sure what that pathway would be, “Many of my friends had their minds set on a particular pathway, and I felt a little lost and confused” Claire says.
Having commenced work at a function centre in Melbourne’s west when she was 14 years and 9 months old, Claire had something to fall back on while she decided what to do with her future career. Continuing in the hospitality industry post school, Claire moved to a new venue which presented her with opportunities to gain licenses in gaming, Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) and TAB accreditation, plus learning valuable transferrable skills like customer service, team work and the ability to work under pressure. Wanting to challenge herself more and move beyond her comfort zone, Claire transferred into a role within the nightclub of a linked tavern in another suburb of western Melbourne, “leaving the venue was uncomfortable, I was happy there, but wanted more of a challenge. After all, the best things happen outside of your comfort zone” Claire says.
After five months of working at the tavern and reaching her limit working in hospitality, Claire realised that she was missing out on spending time with her family, who she emphasises are her best supporters. This prompted Claire to apply for roles in reception, administration and general office duties that offered her the opportunity to recapture her weekends and provide a permanent and set working roster. One of Claire’s friends had recently completed a traineeship with NGJ, and decided that she had nothing to lose and applied, “to be honest, I didn’t know what I was applying for at NGJ. I knew it led to a pathway in a ‘normal’ working environment, but I didn’t fully comprehend what that would mean for me behind the scenes.” Post meeting with the team at NGJ, Claire was confident with the direction forward, information provided and the opportunities available to her through NGJ.
Shortly after, NGJ organised an interview for Claire with VicSuper, an experience she says made her feel comfortable for the role, “when I walked in, the smiling faces at reception made my heart happy. My interview went well, I felt comfortable being interviewed by two people, and I left with a genuine smile on my face." A week later Claire was successful in gaining a full-time traineeship with VicSuper, and when she commenced, that kindness and welcoming culture was still there, and she instantly felt they were happy to have her as part of the team.
Claire’s role started out as general administration work, which then quickly merged into a role working with external stakeholders, “I was responsible for business development merchandise, catering, booking systems and offered general support to peers in other teams.” Claire attributes her development throughout her traineeship to the opportunities her manager presented. His confidence allowed Claire to grow within the role and organisation which led to her current role as New Business Relationship Manager. She works with external stakeholders to ensure that their staff are getting the best benefits out of having a great super fund.
As a trainee with NGJ, Claire was assigned a mentor who was there to guide and assist her throughout her 12 month traineeship, “mentors are the people who are watching you transform and blossom into a newer version of you. They are on your side, cheering you on!” Claire says.
When asked Claire on what advice she would give to others who are considering a traineeship, she says, “Don’t fear stepping outside your comfort zone. It is a rewarding experience, where you learn valuable things about the corporate space and how the ins and outs of a business work. It will be an experience that is challenging, but worth it.” Asking plenty of questions and going out to social events are also two other pieces of advice Claire gives, “this will help create better bonds with your colleagues who you may not work with regularly.”
Claire has gained so much from her traineeship experience and adds, “I am grateful for NGJ giving me the opportunity to show what I am capable of”.
Please click here to find out more about our current traineeship and apprenticeship employment opportunities, or feel free to connect with one of the NGJ team to discuss how your company can engage high-calibre talent through a proven cost-effective model.
Article written by Claire McAlinden, New Business Relationship Manager, Aware Super and Hayley Newman, Administration Co-Ordinator, Programs and Partnerships, Skilling Australia Foundation.