Traineeship the key to dream job

For academic 21-year-old Lizzie Gaffney, bucking the norm and dropping out of university was the key to finding her dream career.

Returning to her hometown of Bunbury after making the life-changing decision, Miss Gaffney applied for a traineeship at St John of God Hospital after noticing an advertisement by The Apprentice and Traineeship Company.

Three years on, Miss Gaffney now holds a certificate II and III in business, has secured a position as the executive assistant to the chief executive officer and was announced as a State finalist in the WA Training Awards 2018.

Miss Gaffney said the gravity of the nomination was just starting to dawn on her as the awards presentation nears.

“It’s really nice to be recognised, I didn’t realise my story would be so important,” she said.

“It’s about people realising that just because you are academic enough to get into university doesn’t necessarily mean it is the best pathway.

“You can get the same, if not better outcomes by undergoing a traineeship – getting practical experience in the workplace and getting those workplace skills you don’t get through attending classes at a university.”

Miss Gaffney has been besotted with her work at the hospital since her first trial day – so much so, she told her boss “you wouldn’t have to pay me to come in to work”.

“I absolutely love my job, I love coming to work in the morning... what I do and I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t leave university,” she said.

Award winners will be announced in September.