Weipa School Based Traineeship Program – special update
Funding Acquisition Manager Andrea Timmins reports on the outstanding achievements so far of Sodexo’s young trainees from Western Cape College:
Bethel Mairu – Certificate II Business Administration
Bethel Mairu is almost one year into a Certificate II Business Administration School based Traineeship with the Weipa Evans Landing Village team. In a typical day’s work, Bethel is responsible for record filing; booking confirmations; accommodation check-ins; key management and maintenance request jobs including liaison with maintenance team. As such, Bethel is kept very busy developing her skills in a busy and rewarding office environment. Future skill development for Bethel is in the customer service area, as she starts handling more complex enquiries and problem solving skills; more involvement in the bus-run scheduling, and stocktake administration. All under the expert guidance of the Village management and the administration team. Bethel’s future aspirations within Sodexo are working full time in an office environment, and progressing towards a higher qualification in the business area such as Cert III/IV in Customer Engagement or Business Administration. Both of these qualifications are fully supported in Sodexo’s National traineeship program, so we very much look forward to continuing the journey with Bethel!
“My favourite thing about working with Sodexo is feeling like I’m part of the team, and meeting lots of different people that come to Weipa, and making them feel welcome at the village.” – Bethel Mairu, Year 11 School Based Trainee, at Evans Landing Village.
Evelyn Tamwoy and Brianna Waia – Certificate II Hospitality
Evelyn and Brianna both work at Evans Landing Village in the Catering area, as trainee dining room attendants. Daily duties cover all aspects of the dining room such as crib meal preparation and selections (salads, cold meats, rolls and fruit); helping with the weekly truck deliveries; general cleaning; and assisting with the kitchen team where needed. Exposure to the catering environment affords both students valuable experience in communication, time management, food handling and customer service. Future development of this training will involve hands-on experience in stocktaking and team rostering.
“I really like working with Sodexo. The team are all really friendly, I can go to anyone to ask questions and they always help me out. Hopefully one day I can work more often and try different areas such as the office, so I can learn new skills.” – Evelyn Tamwoy, Year 11 School Based Trainee, at Evans Landing Village.
(Left) Bethel Mairu, Year 11 SBT at Evans Landing Village – Cert II Business Administration
(Centre) Matthew Gordon & Robbie Daniels, Year 11 SBTs at Weipa Depot – Cert II Horticulture
(Right) Evelyn Tamwoy, Year 11 SBT at Evans Landing Village – Cert II Hospitality
Allyarnah Fourmile-Canendo – Certificate II Business Administration
Allyarnah has only just commenced a school based traineeship, working with Sodexo’s Real Estate team at the Weipa Depot. With a large management portfolio throughout Weipa and surrounds, Allyarnah is set to gain highly valuable experience in a Real Estate environment. Under the expert guidance of Senior Property Manager Megan Barnett and the Sodexo Real Estate team, Allyarnah is responsible for tenancy record archiving; filing; data entry; saving documents; drafting up tenancy leases; and general phone enquiries. The aim of this training is to progress gradually towards property management exposure, including supporting the property managers with inspections and condition reports. Allyarnah’s theoretical work is being tailored to meet these objectives, by incorporating electives from the Property Services qualification. Needless to say, this is a truly exciting opportunity for a local Indigenous school student.
“Although Allyarnah is quite new to the office, I am already so impressed with her growing confidence in communicating with clients, and her natural ability to solve problems. Welcome to our team Allyarnah!” – Megan Barnett, Senior Property Manager Weipa.
Robbie Daniels and Matthew Gordon – Certificate II Horticulture
Trainees Robbie Daniel and Matthew Gordon are working well out at the Weipa Depot, alongside the Sodexo Grounds team under the guidance of grounds supervisor Tim Farrar. Both Robbie and Matthew are gaining practical training in the Weipa Depot Nursery: General upkeep and reorganising stock; and plant identification, propagation and rehabilitation of over 90 varieties of plants. Of particular achievement was the special residential landscaping project of a senior Rio Tinto Manager’s house, which involved the research, selection and positioning of plants suited to the climate and soil type of Weipa. And not to mention the soil preparation and reticulation systems… quite a project for the young trainees. Special thank you to Tim Farrar and team for coaching Matthew and Robbie in such a project. Well done Robbie and Matthew!
Expressions of interest are now released for the 2018 program, including the expanded vocational areas of the Carpentry, Plumbing and Electrical trades. This is most exciting, as there is a strong appetite amongst the school community for building and maintenance careers. Western Cape College is also equipped with a state-of-the-art trade training facility, so together with Sodexo’s strong and capable maintenance team, we look forward to supporting future students in these areas.
“Please join us in thanking Sodexo Weipa Operations for their outstanding support of the School Based Traineeship Program. By receiving such dedicated and caring support, students are well on their way to securing meaningful career options.” – Andrea Timmins, Funding Acquisition Manager.
For more information on Sodexo’s National Traineeship and Apprenticeship program, email: [email protected]
