Trainee to represent South Australia at national awards

AWARD WINNER: Key2Sale trainee Rachael Kelly will go on to represent South Australia this week.

Charlotte Varcoe

RACHAEL Kelly’s completion of her 12-month traineeship will end on a high with the Mount Gambier teenager being announced as a finalist in the Australian School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year award.

Ms Kelly began her traineeship at Key2Sale last November and has been juggling the part-time position alongside Year 12.

The Grant High School student said it had been a fantastic opportunity to be in the work environment of a real estate office.

“There is nothing quite like the hustle and bustle that we get here and I am feeling quite comfortable finishing school and my traineeship at the same time,” Ms Kelly said.

“I also have two school classes that I attend – literacy studies and general maths – so it has been a balancing act but it is manageable with good time organisational skills.”

After completing high school, the avid employee planned to continue with her position at the real estate agency under a full time position while obtaining her agency licence.

“Not many people get the opportunity to finish school and work part-time as normally they dive straight into the traineeship,” she said,

“But I think I have been able to immerse myself in more areas by going down this path.”

After securing the finalist position, Ms Kelly will represent South Australia at the national level in the coming week through a virtual interview.

“I never thought I would get to this level and it has been overwhelming with the support and achievements I have gained through this too,” she said.

“It is also a great opportunity to showcase what is available in the regional areas as well.”

Ms Kelly said she was exposed to the lifestyle of a real estate agent in 2018 following her parents selling and purchasing property through the agency.

She said the exposure sparked an interest in the career and soon secured work experience which soon led to casual employment and the traineeship.

“I love the team environment of real estate and the balance between work and the social environment as well is fantastic and so different to school,” Ms Kelly said.

“But there is also the ability to be creative while also doing everyday administrative jobs too.”

Ms Kelly said for those who may experience anxiety leading up to interviews, posture, speech and eye contact were a big advantage.

“I think through my involvement with the community through open days and other real estate activities boosted my confidence coming up to the interview for the award,” she said.

“If anyone feels nervous about interviews they can appear much more confident just by changing a few small things.”