A MILLICENT businesswoman has been recognised by a leading regional training provider for high quality output as a trainee.
Ellie Leopold completed a dual traineeship at South East Property Sales and Management and Stef’s Transport last year and was recently announced as Group Training Employment’s 2018 Trainee of the Year.
After completing Year 12 at Kangaroo Inn Area School, Ellie secured an administration traineeship with both Millicent employers and received her Certificate III in business.
Ms Leopold said she was humbled to win the award and has loved working with both teams – under the guidance of Fiona Telfer and Karen and Stefan Pulmer – in the community during her gap year.
“I wanted to achieve two main goals from a traineeship – earning money so that I can afford living expenses when moving to Adelaide and to learn and grow from real life experience in a work force,” she said.
“From the opportunity I was provided by GTE, Stef, Karen, Fiona and I were able to achieve this and much more.
“Through my traineeship, I built relationships with wonderful and diverse colleagues and gained valuable skills for my future.
“I was surprised to even be nominated for trainee of the year let alone win – I have great employers.
“I was inspired by everyone’s unique and admirable characteristics and skills and was able to learn things that I want to carry forward as a trait of my own.
“Both businesses spoilt me with opportunities even though I could have been simply pushed to the side as a one-year trainee, I felt like I was actually valued, which was great.
“It was also great to see how much both businesses invested back into the local community.”
As part of her role with South East Property Sales and Management, Ms Leopold completed marketing work, reception duties and assisted the sales team.
Meanwhile, in the office at Stef’s Transport she offered a helping hand with administration and accounts.
Award judges said a professional approach to business and great time management saw Ms Leopold far exceed the expectations of her hosts, both in quality and quantity of work produced.
Ms Leopold said the skills she gained during her gap year would help her in future job prospects and also gave her a broader outlook and knowledge on essential parts of life.
Moving to Adelaide this year, Ms Leopold is currently studying a Bachelor of Science at the University of Adelaide, focusing on the areas of chemistry, molecular biology and earth and environmental science.
At this stage she aspires to graduate with a double degree in science and secondary teaching, before moving overseas and then eventually back to rural Australia.
Ms Leopold received a $200 prize for her efforts.
