Bankstown can now boast the best trainee in Australia.
Bankstown City Council employee, Ashlee Hodson, recently received the honour at a special ceremony in Perth.
The 22-year-old IT Support Officer beat seven other state and territory winners having previously taken out the NSW, Regional and South-West Sydney awards.
Ms Hodson said she was very surprised to win.
“I was just really grateful to have made it as far as I did so this has come as a total surprise and a bonus on top of what I’ve already received.
“The calibre of the other finalists was really high, which is why I didn’t think I stood a chance. There were some amazing candidates in my category.
In just twelve months, Ms Hodson has completed two qualifications – Certificate III and IV in business administration – and is one unit away from finishing Certificate IV in HR. She has also returned to the University of Western Sydney to finish a degree in teaching.
“This award has now opened up so many possibilities for me and what I can achieve,” she said.
“I’ve always said there is still a lot more out there for me to do and whatever happens, this is only one part of the journey.”
Mayor Khal Asfour said Council was proud of its trainee and apprenticeship scheme, which boasted 13 people in the 2013/14 program.
“People like Ashlee are our stars of tomorrow.
“I’m hoping she can now work with our Human Resources Department to continue to improve our Trainee and Apprenticeship Program and help our future leaders succeed.”
South West Sydney Institute of TAFE, where Ms Hodson studies, was named Australian Training Provider of the Year.
