AMount Gambier teenager has been named as one of the finalists for the 2021 South Australian Training Awards.
The awards, presented by the South Australian Skills Commission and supported by Collaboration Partners MEGT and Mas, highlight quality, excellence and innovation in the state’s vocational education and training (VET) sector.
Grant High School student Rachael Kelly has been nominated after undertaking Certificate III in Business with local real estate agency Key 2 Sale, through training provider Limestone Coast Training.
Miss Kelly is working to complete Year 12 at Grant High School, while simultaneously undertaking a 12-month Certificate III in Business traineeship with Key 2 Sale.
Juggling her two roles – school student and administration employee – she is studying SACE Stage Two courses in General Mathematics and Literary Studies, while gaining real estate industry experience in marketing and administration.
With her Certificate III counting towards her SACE completion, Miss Kelly hopes to continue her career at Key 2 Sale after leaving school and undertake further training.
“I plan to gain my agent’s license, explore my passion for architecture in real estate photography, and learn how to enhance social media’s potential in the industry,” she said.
“I hope to turn this traineeship into full time employment and one day perhaps own a
local real estate business.
“My goals are both short term and long term, but I know the path my life takes will be filled with immense passion, hard work and determination towards accomplishing a remarkable future.”
As Grant High School Captain, Miss Kelly is actively supporting change though increasing opportunities for students to have a voice and be heard.
The vision for a Student-Led Development (SLED) team evolved out of her merit winning SACE research project, a legacy she hopes will demonstrate the power students hold when their leadership skills are encouraged.
“I believe where I am today is a result of my ability to adapt, learn and grow as an individual,” she said.
“Personal determination and perseverance have underpinned my success to date.
“My achievements would not have been possible without my unquestionably driven mindset.
“The support of family, friends, work colleagues, teachers and the local community strengthens my vision.
“I believe no one can reach the position I have today without a lot of encouragement and assistance.”
The awards are celebrating their 25th year, with the winners to be announced at a recognition event at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on August 27, pending COVID-19 restrictions.
South Australian Skills Commissioner Renee Hindmarsh said judges were extremely impressed with the quality of entrants, with 110 applications received across 12 award categories.
“A total of 77 individuals and 33 organisations submitted nominations for consideration in the 2021 South Australian Training Awards,” Ms Hindmarsh said.
“The strength of the applications made it difficult for the judging panel, who could select up to four finalists in each category.
“All of the finalists can be extremely proud of what they have contributed to the state’s VET sector, whether they are starting their career journey as an apprentice or trainee or teaching valuable skills to the next generation of skilled workers.”
