Jeff Huddlestone
A creative flair has given way to an unexpectedly different direction for a local trainee.
It also has the advantage of continuing to work in her home town.
After a brief stint in a graphic design course at university, Mount Gambier’s Amelia Harris has secured a local business traineeship in administration.
The 21-year-old was educated at McDonald Park Primary and Grant High School.
She worked as a supermarket checkout operator for nearly six years and saw an advertisement for a business traineeship through Mount Gambier’s Group Training Employment.
Operating since 1985, GTE’s goal is to provide employment opportunities for apprentices and trainees.
It identifies and meets skill and labour needs in the South East through quality programs and services.
Amelia applied for the position, was successful and is now undertaking a Certificate III in Business Administration with host employer Biogrow in Mount Gambier.
For more than 45 years, Van Schaik’s Biogrow – operating on Jubilee Highway East and at Wandillo – produces quality products from organics.
It supplies to the agricultural, horticultural, viticultural and landscaping industries.
Ms Harris started with the company at the Jubilee site in February this year.
Initially in reception, Amelia has progressed to accounts payable and has welcomed the opportunity.
“It was very different to what I was used to. It was a big shock for the first couple of weeks, but now I’ve definitely found my footing,” she said.
Away from the office, Amelia is a music buff.
“I listen to music all the time. I’ve always got music going. I listen to classical, pop music on the radio and almost everything else,” she said.
When asked, Amelia said there is something she does not do.
“I don’t play sport. I’m probably the least athletic person you’ll ever meet. It’s the number one question every time,” she said.
Ms Harris is confident in the office environment.
“I am good at the technical side and a lot of that is on the computer,” she said.
“I make sure the invoices are in the system and that they are paid.
“I know that this happens and then I’ve got to do that. It’s about having a process,” Amelia said.
She believes she is fortunate in securing a local traineeship and would like to continue in her role when she finishes her business studies.
“There is self growth because I’ve come from something so different.
“Just pushing myself and being more confident than I was and I can do something a bit trickier. I can do it,” Amelia said.
The course encompasses a broad range of office administrative skills.
It is nationally approved and recognised around Australia.
Upon completion, graduates will, among other things, be able to design business documents, organise schedules and electronic presentations.
They will also be able to plan meetings, handle complaints and organise information.
The range of roles includes an accounts or general clerk, office or personal assistant, a receptionist or word processor, right through to office manager.
Ms Harris already has experience in two of those skillsets and seems to adapt quickly to different situations.
“I’ve never been very good at planning things out. I thought I will do this or that and always end up doing something different,” she said.
Amelia does have the confidence to succeed.
“Even though through school I was switched on and did well, I think I have the drive,” she said.
It will be interesting to see where the eventual certificate qualification takes her.
Hopefully, Amelia will still be contributing to the Mount Gambier business community.
