Where were you raised and what or who influenced your career?

I was born and raised in Wauchope, a little town in the mid-north coast of NSW. Growing up my father was always a very hands-on worker. I always enjoyed helping him whether it was mowing lawns or cutting loads of firewood for people in the community and because of this I have always had an interest working in a hands-on role.

What was your first job?

In high school I started my first ever job as a trainee in reception at Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council. I spent two years in this position before being seconded into another role.

What did you do after you finished school?

During my second year as a trainee receptionist I was offered a secondment into a Culture and Heritage role and ended up becoming a full-time Culture and Heritage Project Officer where I was responsible for the promotion, protection and preservation of Aboriginal sites within Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council boundaries. I spent three years in this position before deciding that I wanted to try find a position that was more hands-on.

IN THE NEWS:

Hw did you hear about the Lake Macquarie City council employment program Education to Employment (E2E) and why did you apply?

I came across the Works Assistant Traineeship with Lake Macquarie City Council online and I applied because it's always been a field of work that I've been interested in as I'm passionate about the outdoors and hands-on work.

As a trainee you are working in various council departments in teams that are traditionally male-dominated. What have you done so far?

So far I have been working in City Appearance, which consists of grounds maintenance works. To date I have been trained in the use of the whipper snipper, ride on mower and hedging equipment and I have been really enjoying working in this department.

How have you felt as the only female in the team?

It was a little intimidating at first knowing I was going to be the only female working in my team but my team mates have been really supportive and welcoming since day one.

The E2E program is designed to to include positions for women innon-traditional roles and, separately, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island workers. What sort of non-traditional roles appeal to you?

I have always had an interest working in these kind of hands-on roles so being able to gain new experience and skills during my traineeship is a huge stepping stone for my future career.

What sort of mentoring and skills do you expect the traineeship to give you and do you think it will help your career?

I hope to gain new skills in the way of equipment use and proficiency, teamwork and a more in-depth grasp of WHS procedures.

What jobs would you like to move into after the traineeship?

It's hard to say at the moment as part of the reason I started this traineeship was to try something new, so far I am really enjoying working in City Appearance and could see myself working in a position like this full time but at the same time I'm excited to see how I go in City Construction and City Infrastructure.

Have you ever had to deal with gender discrimination at work?

Fortunately I'm thankful to say that no I haven't had to deal with gender discrimination at work.

What sort of attributes do you believe women bring to a job that men do not or are less successful at?

Sometimes I find that women can have a better eye for detail but I generally believe that it's an equal playing field.

And where do you think women need to step up?

I think women have been doing a fantastic job at taking the initiative and stepping up especially in recent times, I've definitely been seeing a lot more women now working in traditionally more male-dominant roles.

Youth unemployment is high in the Hunter at present. You are 23. Are any of your friends struggling to find work at the moment?

I know a lot of people my age that are struggling with employment at the moment especially after COVID-19 and a lot of employers are asking for years worth of prior experience that a lot of applicants aren't able to meet. That's why I think programs like this are a fantastic way for people to get their foot in the door without prior experience.

What sort of goals do you have for your career in coming years?

My current goal is to successfully complete my traineeship and obtain the skills and experience necessary to hopefully secure a full-time position with the council as it has always been a passion of mine to find a hands-on position working outdoors.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: