Coastlink is supporting career dreams as part of its vision to enable people to live a life of choice and inclusion, by providing opportunities to experience work in the disability and aged care sectors.

As part of the NSW Government’s school-based traineeships, Coastlink’s newest team member is Narara Valley High School student, Kaitlyn Bishell.

Coastlink CEO, John Davis, says the traineeships offer students the opportunity to complete industry recognised national qualifications through a combination of paid work, training and school.

“We are thrilled to give Kaitlyn an opportunity to complete a Certificate III in Individual Support (Disabilities) as part of her HSC studies.

“These school-based traineeships help fast-track career paths by giving students the firsthand experience of working in the disability sector,” said Mr Davis.

The school-based traineeship involves online competency training sessions and 100 days of workplace-based training, as well as continuing with HSC studies.

“Kaitlyn will be working with clients in our Day Programs, and with the support of a supervisor, will gain the skills, knowledge and capabilities to complete all of her workplace assessments on the job and in time to complete her HSC in December 2023.

“I would encourage any student thinking of a career in the disability or aged care sectors to consider a school-based traineeship as it provides a unique opportunity to experience the valuable, important and rewarding work we do in this sector,” added Mr Davis.

Providing the support and platform to experience fulfilling career opportunities for is an important facet of Coastlink’s strategy.

“As an employer of choice for support workers on the Central Coast we aim to give more people the opportunity to work in such impactful and positive roles. Our support workers are vital in helping our clients reach their goals and live fulfilling lives,” said Mr Davis.

For more information about School-based Traineeships, visit: education.nsw.gov.au

For more information on careers at Coastlink, visit: coastlink.org.au/careers.

Kaitlyn Bishell with Glenn Peters – Verto – Apprenticeship Network Provider, Katrina  Tierney- Karben Training Solutions, Irene Simatos – Coastlink, Zsuzsi Sanders – NSW Dept of Education, Lesley Tobin – Narara Valley High School – Careers Adviser and Alana Weeks – Family Member