Media releases
Westpac increases Indigenous school-based trainees in Katherine
29 July 2020
After receiving applications from two outstanding students for this year’s intake, Westpac has increased its intake to offer both the opportunity to take part in the program.
Westpac now has four school-based Indigenous school-based trainees in the Northern Territory with each undertaking one paid day each week in a branch, and additional hours during school holidays.
Westpac Northern Territory Regional Manager, Lisa Grundy, said the program provides valuable opportunities for Indigenous young people to develop practical, job-ready skills while continuing their studies at school.
“Our trainees learn about banking and finance, customer service and the day-to-day operations of a branch, providing an advantage for them to enter the workforce as they complete their studies. This is great for the broader Katherine community as well, enabling young Indigenous people to have career options without having to leave their home community.
“We were thrilled to have two impressive applicants, so agreed to offer traineeships to both students.
“The experience of working in our Westpac branch while studying and being paid can give them a real head-start in their career.”
Ms Grundy said that as communities across Australia struggled with employment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, taking on trainees and employing locals was a positive step towards economic recovery.
“Both applicants had come to our branch as customers and enjoyed their experience with the Westpac team, which made them feel at ease when applying for a role with Westpac,” she said.
The annual School Based Traineeships are open to students 15 years old and over, providing paid part-time employment, in addition to the training contributing towards their HSC or equivalent. Students learn practical workplace skills and gain a nationally accredited qualification.
On completion of the program, the students can further their qualifications or apply for a permanent role within the Westpac Group.
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Josiane Abboud |