Undertaking a traineeship can be a very rewarding study path, and ultimately lead to many beneficial career pathways. Just ask Jake Beard.

Jake, 20, commenced his traineeship with Maxima training group in early 2018, where he started studying Certificate III in Information and Digital Media Technology (IT). With Maxima being his employer, Jake then works full-time as a trainee in the IT Department at the City of Tea Tree Gully (Local Council in South Australia), whilst completing his training with Integrity Business College every two weeks for a full day at our Adelaide offices.

Jake’s role in the IT Department consists mostly of helpdesk duties, where he provides IT support to clients within the organisation, as well as configuring computer hardware/software. The training provided from Integrity Business College has helped boost his skills within the IT industry.

“Not only have I gained customer service skills with clients and interaction with colleagues, I have been able to build confidence in myself and been able to manage the helpdesk unassisted. I have also been able to assist clients and colleagues with troubleshooting and solving issues with computer software and hardware. I have also been able to assist with audio/visual support for monthly council meetings.”

Jake’s success in his role didn’t go unnoticed, as his supervisor at Maxima, Denise Clarke, and his host employer, City of Tea Tree Gully, put forward Jake’s name to be considered for the ‘Trainee/Apprentice of the year’ under the Local Government category.

His efforts didn’t go unrewarded, with the judging panel recognising Jake as a finalist, where he just missed out on taking out the top gong and finished in the top three. This was a fantastic effort from Jake, who’s hard work was recognised amongst 120 other trainees who were nominated into his category.

Jake spoke about his success in finishing in the top three in his award category and is grateful his hard work was rewarded.

“It feels amazing to be recognised for the hard work I put in throughout the course of my Traineeship. I really embraced the challenge of working and studying at the same time and I really feel like hard work pays off.”

Dylan Venables and Kaelene Hussey, Jake’s trainers at Integrity Business College, touched on Jake’s success within the classroom;

“Jake is a quiet-achiever who always gets his work done, he is a pleasure to teach and is always engaged and enthusiastic in the classroom environment. On behalf of Integrity Business College, Congratulations to Jake on this achievement.”

Jake has continued his training with us, as upon completion of his Certificate III in Information and Digital Media and Technology, Jake is now continuing his traineeship, studying his Certificate IV in Information Technology and Networking. He has plans to potentially further his study within the IT industry once his traineeship has finished.

“There is always room for knowledge growth, so I will most likely be looking into further study in the future.”

Congratulations on your efforts in being recognised as a finalist as Trainee of the Year, it is a wonderful achievement, and all the best with your future endeavours.