Trainee of the Year
Supported by
About Mas National
Your local apprenticeship, traineeship and employment experts
Mas National (Mas), proudly part of the IntoWork Group, has been delivering employment and apprenticeship support services across Australia for over 25 years. We partner with government, industry, employers, individuals and other stakeholders to facilitate apprenticeship sign-ups, deliver targeted mentoring and to create workforce participation opportunities, across all industries.
As a trusted Apprentice Connect Provider, delivering Australian Apprenticeship Support Services to employers and apprentices across NSW, ACT, QLD, SA and TAS, and a Workforce Australia Provider in NSW, QLD, SA, VIC and WA, we are committed to delivering better workplace solutions for individuals and businesses through Australian Apprenticeship and employment programs.
Our willingness and ability to approach each stakeholder as unique, means our services and solutions are tailor-made to each and every customer. Our personalised approach enables us to be flexible, adaptive and serve all equally well.
Whether you’re a job seeker needing support to secure an apprenticeship, a small business owner looking to grow your network, an employer or individual who would benefit from mentoring, or a community member who needs a helping hand, Mas has you covered!
Read how Mas employer, Amir Ansari, a refugee turned tradie is helping other refugees with their apprenticeships.
In collaboration with local partners across Western Sydney & Blue Mountains and Illawarra & South East NSW, Mas Career Development Counsellors coached and mentored women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to develop the awareness, skills and confidence they need to transition to meaningful and sustainable trades careers.
The program worked closely with Mas partners including local employment service providers, Employment Plus, Aboriginal Employment Strategy (AES), Navitas, Dress for Success Sydney, Empowered Women in Trades and Awesome Women in Construction.
Whether you’re a job seeker needing support to secure an apprenticeship, a small business owner looking to grow your network, an employer or individual that would benefit from mentoring, or a community member that needs a helping hand, Mas has you covered!
Visit masnational.com.au.
Lachlan Carey
Qualification
Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
Trained by
Atkinson Training & Development
Employed by
A Magical Time Childrens Centre
Region
Hunter & Central Coast Region
-
Lachlan Carey is driven to make a difference in the lives of children. Facing his fair share of challenges for someone so young, he’s been inspired to pay forward the acts of kindness he received by enrolling in a Certificate III in Early Childhood and Care.
Suffering two strokes in year 10 that required multiple surgeries and lengthy recovery times, Lachlan was unable to return to school and decided to pursue his passion for educating kids. Bringing his fun, nurturing and patient nature to every interaction in his traineeship, he was immediately adored by colleagues, families and, most importantly, the children in his care.
As someone with dyslexia, Lachlan found the pace and style of learning game changing. “My VET training was perfect for me,” he says. “The course requirements were clear and I could link the theory and the practical together to gain confidence in my studies.”
Now tackling a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care, Lachlan has a future he’ll forever be grateful for.
Katie Carusi
Qualification
Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
Trained by
International Child Care College Pty Ltd
Employed by
Dorothy Waide Centre for Early Learning
Region
Riverina Region
-
Not wanting to waste a second, Katie Carusi kick started her dream-career progression plan straight out of high school. Ticking two vocational qualifications in early childhood education off her list, she’s now gaining a university degree and showing no signs of slowing down.
After finishing year 12, Katie gained her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education. The week after, she was onto the next – a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. As a hands-on learner, Katie loved the totally immersive learning environment of on-the-job training. “This pathway was 100% the right direction for my development as an educator,” she says. “I’ve gained so much knowledge from observing fellow educators and I have a better understanding of the learning cycle.” Katie sailed through her qualification – finishing her Diploma eight months ahead of time.
And, in true Katie style, she’d already been planning her next step. Supported by two scholarships, Katie is now doing a Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education at university.
Brooke Fletcher
Qualification
Certificate III in Business
Trained by
TAFE NSW
Employed by
Snowy Hydro Ltd
Region
Illawarra & South East NSW Region
-
Initially unsure of her ideal pathway, Brooke Fletcher has turned a traineeship into a career she loves. Now mentoring trainees through the position she previously held, her personal growth is remarkable.
Commencing a Certificate III in Business and her traineeship with Snowy Hydro, Brooke collaborated with a broad range of mentors. She was organising events, working to budgets and time restraints, adapting to change and demonstrating agility in every aspect of her work. Her colleagues were beyond impressed, describing her as a “revelation”.
Brooke’s love of learning had found its perfect nesting ground and, not content with just one qualification, she even managed to complete a Certificate IV in Business during her 12-month traineeship.
Securing a permanent role, Brooke now works in the Human Resources department and is pursuing a Human Resources traineeship to further her knowledge. “Looking back, I’m so proud of how far I’ve come – in the workplace and in my everyday life,” she says.
Tiana Riley
Qualification
Certificate IV in Project Management Practice
Trained by
TAFE NSW
Employed by
Apprenticeship Careers Australia
Hosted by
Lendlease Construction Pty Ltd
Region
Central & Northern Sydney Region
-
Before starting her traineeship in the construction industry, Tiana Riley had never stepped foot on a building site. Fast forward two years and she was putting the finishing touches on a $40 million development.
Tiana finished high school with an eagerness to get into the workforce but felt unsure of which direction to follow. Drawn to a traineeship for its combination of work and study, Tiana enrolled in a Certificate IV in Project Management Practice.
Comprising three host employer rotations over the course of two years, the traineeship allowed Tiana to rapidly develop her skills and knowledge, while gaining confidence along the way.
Adapting to the various systems and processes across the different learning environments, Tiana also had to relocate from regional NSW to Sydney – a huge personal and professional shift.
Now, with a full-time position, pursuing a Bachelor of Construction Project Management at university and working on a $940 million project, Tiana is keen to inspire others to get into the industry – especially young women.
Joshua Sullivan
Qualification
Certificate III in Horticulture
Trained by
TAFE NSW
Employed by
1300apprentice
Hosted by
Flower Power Garden Centre
Region
Southern & South Western Sydney Region
-
Joshua Sullivan has gone from tending Bonsai trees as a hobby to nurturing a flourishing career in horticulture. Thanks to a vocational pathway, Joshua has unearthed a life-changing passion and a greater appreciation for the world around him, not to mention an abundance of new skills.
Working casually for the local council aquatics program, Joshua had no idea which career path he could take. But, after coming across an ad for a Certificate III in Horticulture traineeship at Flower Power, he jumped at the opportunity and gave it his all.
Cut to a few months later, and Joshua knew he’d found his place. Impressing his colleagues with his commitment, work ethic and sincere enjoyment of his role, Joshua’s knowledge base was growing rapidly, meaning he was soon confidently advising customers.
Now, with his traineeship complete and a full-time role, he’s been mentoring a new trainee in Nursery Operations. He’s also completing an internal course to take on a manager’s position within the company.
Jayden Townsend
Qualification
Certificate IV in Community Services
Trained by
Australian Training Plus
Employed by
Tamworth Family Support Service Ltd
Region
New England Region
-
While many people dream of changing careers, the leap is often relegated to the ‘too hard’ basket. Qualified plumber Jayden Townsend couldn’t shake the desire to do more for others and totally changed his life with a Certificate IV in Community Services.
After wrapping up his studies in Plumbing and feeling content in his role, Jayden presumed that his educational journey had come to an end. But his drive to continue learning could not be suppressed.
Commencing a traineeship with the Tamworth Family Support Service (TFSS), Jayden felt immediately welcomed by his colleagues. “I was provided with seemingly endless opportunities to gain new skills, get a start within the industry and also work towards gaining an industry-recognised qualification,” he says.
His experience has been so transformative that he’s furthering his studies with a Diploma of Community Services and is considering a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology or Social Work. “Completing this traineeship has completely changed the direction of my life.”