A future-fit public service can’t be achieved without the fresh, innovative and diverse perspectives that young people bring.
The recently released youth action plan sets out the Commission’s commitment to working with agencies in the public sector to improve youth employment outcomes.
A young person doing well at the Department of Justice is Piper Sweet, a participant in the Commission’s school-based traineeship program. She is finishing Year 12, has completed a Certificate II in Government (Public Administration) in the program, and will graduate from the traineeship in December.
And impressively, Piper has been selected as a finalist in the WA School-based Apprentice of the Year 2020 category at the WA Training Awards.
“It feels fantastic to be selected as a finalist for these awards. It shows me just how far I’ve come since starting with the Department of Justice.
"I am [speaking up about traineeships] and doing it by choice, because I want to help others and really make a difference for future generations of trainees and even students considering it.”
Dr Adam Tomison, Director General Department of Justice, and Piper’s supervisors commented on the impact of her contributions at their agency.
“Piper has been as asset to every team she has worked in, with a confident, friendly manner and a competent and professional attitude.
“She has built an understanding of government record keeping processes and obligations by undertaking electronic filing of ministerial correspondence and has substantially reduced the backlog of historical records.”
Piper credits her time in the traineeship as giving her the confidence to improve her public speaking skills, while providing her with an insight to what to pursue after school is complete.
Her advice for young people thinking about pursuing a traineeship?
“Absolutely go for it, whether it’s something you’ve wanted to do forever or just one of many options you are juggling. I don’t believe you can ever go wrong with a traineeship, particularly a school-based one because it will never ruin your career prospects.
“The traineeship enables me to feel like I am making a real difference in the world. I have come to love working in the public sector and truly believe the knowledge this traineeship has provided me to be invaluable.”
Applications for the 2021 intake for the school-based traineeship have now closed, with the 2022 intake expected to open in August 2021. Winners for the WA Training Awards will be announced on Tuesday 6 October.
