Finalist: 2022 GTNT Group Awards – Trainee of the Year
Qualification: Certificate III in Business
Host Business: Department of Corporate and Digital Development
Sarah Pettifer spent most of year 12 researching career pathways and possible courses to study. Her dad sent her an advertisement for the “Get SET in the NT, Training in the NT" Program hosted by GTNT Group. Her plans to either study interstate or take a gap year was affected by COVID-19, so this opportunity was too good to pass up. Sarah was successful in completing the program and gain a Certificate III in Business, while working for the Northern Territory Government in two of their Departments (Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade, and Department of Corporate and Digital Development).
Upon completion of her traineeship, Sarah secured a full-time role as Workforce Relations Administration Assistant position within Department of Corporate and Digital Development.
“I am confident enough to say that 2021 has been a turning point for me and I accomplished goals both in my work and personal life due to the motivation and independence this traineeship has given me. It encouraged me to look into studying my Certificate IV in Business in 2022 as well as continue working.”
What impact did your studies/work have on your life?
This qualification has changed my perspective 100%. When I was younger, I told my parents that I wasn’t interested in a 9-5 office job as I thought it would be tedious. I was wrong. I’ve gained an extensive amount of experience in such a short amount of time.
This traineeship allowed me to gain a recognised qualification by combining both employment and training. I obtained my First Aid Certificate and a full-time job after completing my studies. As soon as I completed my traineeship, I applied for a position in the Department I was placed for the majority of my traineeship and secured the role of Workforce Relations Administration Assistant.
The quality of my training has been beyond beneficial to my future. I enjoyed being able to incorporate our theory work directly into the tasks in our workplace. Theoretical knowledge helped me understand the concept behind work techniques and differentiate why certain techniques are successful and some are not.
I’ve told friends and family about my positive experience. The opportunities I’ve gained, and accomplishments I’ve achieved while doing my traineeship has been beyond what I imagined. My journey has encouraged them to relook their resumes and visit the GTNT Group jobs board to see if anything interested them.
I am confident enough to say that 2021 has been a turning point for me and I accomplished goals both in my work and personal life due to the motivation and independence this traineeship has given me. It encouraged me to look into studying my Certificate IV in Business in 2022 as well as continue working.
Throughout my traineeship, I spent time on my studies in my workplace as well as committed time outside of work, usually on the weekends. I also attended GTNT Training sessions every Wednesday to ensure I completed my qualification on time.
Fun fact!
The knowledge I gained in my workplace encouraged me to create my own online book thrifting shop. When I wasn’t working or studying, I spent my time searching for pre-loved books that I would be able to sell back into the community.
Photo: Sarah Pettifer with the Honourable Lauren Moss, Minister for Education.
