Souths Cares is thrilled to announce Barranggirra participant Monique Vuong is a finalist for Aboriginal & Torres Islander Trainee of the year in the NSW State Training Awards.
Monique is currently a Year 12 student at Freeman Catholic College and is also completing a School-based Traineeship in Housing Assistance at Campbelltown Department of Communities and Justice.
When Monique commenced her School-based Traineeship in 2021 she had to overcome a number of challenges including building her confidence, learning to work in an office environment for the first time and having her work placement postponed twice due to COVID restrictions.
With the support of the Barranggirra Program and her managers at Department of Communities and Justice, Monique has excelled in her School-based Traineeship whilst developing her administration, data entry and communication skills.
Trudy Sinsich is the Team Leader for Housing Support at the Campbelltown Office of Department of Communities and Justice and has been influential in Monique’s professional development and training.
“Monique is a truly amazing young lady, polite and friendly and is a joy to have in our team. Since joining DCJ she has had to adapt throughout the pandemic and provided great support to other teams throughout the district’’, Trudy said.
Monique explained her skills and confidence have grown throughout her School-based Traineeship.
“I have loved the Traineeship because it has given me perspective on working life and a teamwork environment whilst also giving me the confidence to develop my administration skills and learn the internal processes at DCJ.
I am grateful for the support of managers Trudy and Kylie as well as my mentor Lowana who have helped me along my Traineeship journey”, Monique said.
Monique’s future goals include completing her HSC and School-based Traineeship later this year, gaining her Driver’s License and commencing a career where she can continue to work within the community and support Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
The winners for the NSW State Training Awards will be announced on 24th June 2022, with Souths Cares and Department of Communities and Justice wishing Monique the best of luck!
The Barranggirra Program is a partnership between Souths Cares and Training Services NSW.
