Apprentice Inspiring Others to find their Passion | NAIDOC Week 2024

At just 18 years old, Kyezaya Namai-Sabatino was named as Australia’s best School-based Trainee at the Australian Training Awards.

Less than a year later, he will judge and attend the upcoming Queensland Training Awards, one of the most prestigious and longest running training sector awards program in the state.

Residing in the community of Napranum, Kyezaya has now successfully transitioned from a school-based Traineeship to full-time Apprenticeship as a Deisel Fitter, becoming a mentor and role model along the way.

His Apprentice Employment Services Provider and employer, MRAEL* has supported him throughout his journey from education to employment, “My Field Officer John Conway has been with me every step of the way, he is incredibly inclusive and supportive of his team, always striving to make it easier for us to excel in our roles,” Kyezaya said.

As a First Nations apprentice Kyezaya has been able to bring his knowledge of culture and community to his role. In collaboration with MRAEL, he has expanded opportunities for others in the region by speaking at career expos, schools, and directly to industry leaders about the advantages of employing local community, “I was speaking directly to big companies looking to expand further, mould and sustain their company here and offer more jobs. I gave an insight to what the daily life of a person in the community would be like, the barriers they face and benefits of hiring people from here.”

Kyezaya also inspires students by discussing traineeship opportunities at various schools and career events alongside his Field Officer John, “It’s been amazing to connect with the students from Napranum and the nearby town of Weipa, listening to their dreams and guiding them towards what’s possible,” he said.

MRAEL National AES Manager Dana Ditfort highlighted Kyezaya as a prime example of the value apprentices bring to the workplace. “Not only do young people benefit from Apprenticeships, businesses also benefit by fostering talent, securing passionate employees and make a positive impact in their community by providing employment opportunities.”

Another MRAEL local Field Officer Tahneesia Maunsell spent many years in Weipa, and works closely with the community to engage and support First Nations youth in trades and traineeships. She believes that school-based Apprenticeships provide invaluable exposure that can help them develop a passion and carve out their own career paths. “Kyezaya is great example of how apprenticeships change lives. Watching his growth and transition into adulthood has been amazing and puts value into the work we do, not only has the school-based Apprenticeship set him up for success it also serves as inspirations for others in the region and his community – he’s a great influence for our students in the Western Cape York region,” Tahneesia said.

MRAEL is passionate about supporting Apprentices and encouraging them to advance and upskill through various programs. Dedicated Field Officers facilitate vital relationships, and maintain this support through both casual check-ins at work and outside of work. “MRAEL and John are dedicated to helping and upskilling their employees, they make sure it’s smooth sailing for everyone,” Kyezaya said.

Discover how hiring First Nations Apprentices can help empower your workforce and connect with community here.