Indigenous students MAXimising their potential

Travel, touch football, rugby union and the beach are the kinds of things that normal teenagers enjoy and Brisbane high school students Chrissy Roma, Gabryella Vanderkolk, Emma Hollidge and  Hayden Jacobs are no exception. 

These four young people are now poised to maximise their potential as part of our Indigenous school-based traineeship program.

Each student has undergone a rigorous application process to be selected and offered a place in the program.

This MAX initiative is designed to provide Indigenous students showing excellent potential with a pathway to a qualification and future employment opportunities with MAX. 

Hayden, Chrissy, Emma and Gabryella will undertake work experience in our Brisbane operational support centres one day each week and gain on-the-job experience as they complete their schooling and a Certificate III in Business.

Each student will receive dedicated support from our National Support Centre and National Operations Centre-based ‘champions’ who will teach our trainees the practical elements of their traineeship and provide day-to-day leadership. 

Our registered training organisation arm will provide structured training and the students will receive dedicated mentoring and cultural support from our Indigenous Programs Coordinator, Eddie Mills. 

“We support and mentor our indigenous staff and I couldn’t be prouder to be part of this program and the lives of these young people,” he said. 

“Not only will they be given support throughout their traineeship, but if they wish to continue their journey with MAX in the future, the door will be open to them.” 

While gaining skills, work experience and qualifications is key, previous trainees have shared that other benefits of the program include growing in confidence and developing their organisational skills. 

“Some of our new employees know students who previously undertook a traineeship with us,” said Mr Mills.

“Seeing all the benefits a MAX traineeship provided their peers, these guys were motivated to apply.

“I’m delighted to see MAX becoming an employer of choice among Indigenous students in Brisbane.”

Hayden and Chrissy will spend time at the National Support Centre in each of the following teams: IT, Human Resources, Finance, Marketing and Communications, and Project Management. 

Emma and Gabryella will be at the National Operations Centre working with the Customer Service Team, Registered Training Organisation, Employment Fund and Work for the Dole Support Hub. 

We look forward to supporting and watching them as they continue to grow and learn.