2022 Victorian Training Awards Winner

Interview with 2022 Victorian Training Awards Winner – Skillinvest Trainee, Jaynaya Miller

Skillinvest trainee Jaynaya Miller has been awarded Victorian School Based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year at the Victorian Training Awards, held on Saturday 10 September.

Jaynaya received her award at the live gala event which celebrated the Vocational Education and Training sector’s ongoing commitment, resilience, and innovations.

Entries in the award category were narrowed down to three finalists with Jaynaya taking out the top award.

Jaynaya completed a Skillinvest School Based Traineeship through Victoria Police last year, qualifying her with a Certificate III in Business.

As a part of her traineeship, Jaynaya worked at the Warrnambool Police Station under the Jobs Victoria program, which was specifically designed for Indigenous students to obtain valuable on-the-job experience by working in a local police station.

We interviewed Jaynaya to get her views on winning the award and her experiences along the way.

How did you feel when you won Victorian School Based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year?

I was in complete shock when I heard my name announced over the speaker. I felt super proud and knew that all my hard work was starting to pay off as I was walking up to accept the award. I remember thinking how this would give so many Aboriginal kids the confidence to do whatever they want.

What are some of the most valuable things you got out of your traineeship?

The top two valuable things I took out of my traineeship were:  The friendships I formed with people along the way, whether they were from Skillinvest, the Warrnambool Police Station or the other students doing the course.

What was also valuable was the amazing experiences. These experiences have led me to not only knowing what I want to do with my future but most importantly, finding myself. I have matured even more during this course and this has led to me being able to be a great leader to not only my siblings but for my whole community.

What were some of the challenges along the way?

The biggest challenge I had along the way would have been the lockdowns due to COVID-19. Learning how to do everything online was hard for everyone at the time. I was having to learn how to do my school online and my course online as well. Some days were better than others, and some days were really hard to stay motivated. Having to miss out on that hands-on experience with my host employer during this time was hard as well, knowing I could have got a lot more out of it.

How do you think this set you up for future educational or employment opportunities?

This has not only set me up for my current job with Lendlease but will also help me with my future career with the police force. Knowing the ins and outs of the police programs I feel will help me in the application process and that’s all thanks to this opportunity I was given.

 What are your career goals?

My biggest career goal is to be in the police force. I can help so many people and make that my job for a living. But not only helping anyone, I want to help Aboriginal communities by breaking down the barrier between the Police force and Aboriginal communities. I want to make this world a better and safer place for them. Making sure they have someone safe to go to as not everyone has that person.

Where are you working/studying now?

I am now working with Lendlease on the Frankston Hospital Redevelopment Project. I am doing document control and really enjoying it there. I am now studying my Certificate IV in Business, following on finishing my Certificate III in Business. I will be with Lendlease for the next 1-2 years completing my course.

Would you recommend this same experience to others and why?

I 100 percent would recommend this experience to someone else. This has changed my life and set me up for my future. Knowing that I am only 18 and already have a Certificate III in Business and working on my Certificate IV in Business is unbelieve. I have had nothing but the best experiences and would love if more people could as well.

 Is there anyone you would like to acknowledge who supported you along the way?

There are a few people who helped me along the way that I would like to acknowledge. First from Skillinvest, I’d like to thank both Shane Cross and Rebecca McLean. They were always there whenever I needed and were the biggest support for me during my course. Second from the Warrnambool Police Station, I’d like to thank Katrina Gabbe and Tania Barbary. They always wanted to open me up to more experiences knowing that I wanted to be in the police force. Lastly my biggest thank you to my family who were there every step of the way during this journey. They have always been my biggest fans and believed in me when I didn’t even believe in myself.

Jaynaya will go on to represent Victoria at the National awards later this year.

To learn more about apprenticeship, traineeship, training and employment opportunities through Skillinvest call 1300 135 008 or register for employment here.