ETC Traineeship provides stepping stone to prepare youth for University

After finishing High School last year, 19-year-old Lee Perkins was unsure of what he wanted to do and whether University was the right thing for him, so he deferred for a year to join the workforce as part of  ETC’s Earn While You Learn Traineeship program.

“By undertaking ETC’s program and completing a Certificate III Business Traineeship, it has really helped me to pinpoint what I wanted to do. My plan is next year to attend the University of Melbourne to commence a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Philosophy with ambitions for a career in Foreign Affairs and Diplomacy,” Mr Perkins said.

“Lately, I’ve realised that if I eventually want to move into a Directorial or Managerial role, if I don’t have this practical understanding, I’m not going to be able to exceed to the point that I want to. It’s important to understand how every aspect of a business or institution works. That’s why by doing this traineeship it has really set me up for my future.”

ETC Training Advisor Rex Anderson said the standard of Lee’s work was exceptional.

“What I’ve discovered in my time spent with Lee is that the work he is handing me is of University standard. The Certificate III Business has been a great stepping stone for him. He has a clearer pathway now and has embraced it in a positive manner,” Mr Anderson said.

Lee thanked ETC for providing him with a welcoming and supportive service.

“ETC has really cared about how I’m doing and that I’m understanding the course. My trainer Rex comes in every fortnight to make sure I’m on track which is really helpful,” he said.

Lee shares his advice for other young people finishing school and unsure of what step to take next.

“There’s no harm in jumping in and giving it a go – it’s only for a year. At the end of it you have a qualification, a years’ worth of employment experience. Not to mention you’ve been earning an income.”

ETC General Manager Training Karen Busby said that ETC’s Earn While You Learn Program was all about helping people gain skills and a nationally recognised qualification while they work.

“We are proud to have been delivering traineeships for more than 20 years. This can be a great gap-year option and we offer the following benefits for our Trainees; availability to people of any age, combine training and employment, leave entitlements covered, opportunity for a career path or further study after completing their qualification, a nationally recognised qualification in Business, Childcare, Hospitality, Retail, Community Service.”

For more information about ETC’s Earn While You Learn program contact one of ETC’s Traineeship Business Relationship Managers in your region:

• Gold Coast to Lismore – Ingrid Johansen, 0447 162 970
• Grafton to Port Macquarie – Karen Jackson, 0408 893 694