Trainee of the Year

Sponsored by NEC

Winner: Kimberly Brewster, Certificate III in Business Administration

Employer: Programmed Skilled Workforce
Registered training provider: Charles Darwin University

After completing year 12 just before the birth of her child, Kimberly Brewster put her career aspirations on hold to focus on being a mother.

Worried her lack of formal training and experience would limit her in securing employment in the business administration sector,

Kimberly thought she would never be given a chance. Fortunately, securing a traineeship with Programmed and host company ConocoPhillips marked the beginning of a life-long learning journey that she says has changed her life.

Now a mum of two, Kimberly completed a Certificate III in Business Administration in December 2017 and is doing a Certificate IV in Business Administration. Described by ConocoPhillips as an “integral team member” Kimberly provides sole administrative support for the company’s 200 onshore team members.

Runner Up: Rachel Harpur, Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Employer: Early Learning Durack
Registered training provider: Alana Kaye College

An insatiable hunger for challenge and meaning saw Rachel Harpur take a leap of faith and switch career paths from retail to childcare.

Rachel enrolled in a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care after completing year 12 and is now undertaking a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care while working at Journey Early Learning Durack.

Rachel teaches aerial acrobatic skills and says dangling on a rope suspended from the roof gives her a similar feeling to learning new skills through her traineeship. A self-professed eco-warrior, Rachel combines her passion for working with children and the environment by teaching children to be sustainable and respect the environment.