VET skyrockets Sophia's career
Sophia’s 5-star attitude and customer service ability won her a dream role with Service NSW.
24 April 2023
“After completing Year 11 in 2018, I wanted to start my career journey and chose to undertake a Marketing & Administration traineeship. While completing this, I saw the opportunity arise with HVTC and Service NSW Goulburn, and I saw this traineeship as an amazing opportunity to enter a large-scale government department and grow my career in business, so I decided to go for it.”
A commitment to excellence and a dynamic, can-do attitude served Sophia well during her traineeship with HVTC. “Completing a Certificate III in Customer Engagement has equipped me for entering the world of business and given me valuable experience with a government agency.”
Providing her with hands-on skill and real-world experience, VET has been instrumental in Sophia’s understanding of the customer service industry.
Undertaking this traineeship has taught me how to interact with a range of customers, how to understand customer needs, and allowed me to provide qualified advice that builds customer loyalty and a positive brand reputation. Since completing my traineeship, I have applied and was successful in gaining a full time role with Service NSW as a Customer Service Representative.
A proud First Nations woman, Sophia is an inspiration to her community, always seeking opportunities to getting involved in community and cultural events. “I come from the peoples of Gundangara, which are the traditional lands of present day Goulburn, Wollondilly Shire, The Blue Mountains and the Southern Highlands. My mob is the Gundangara peoples. On most weekends, we hold community events, cultural events, and learning sessions for our mob to get involved in to celebrate and learn more about our culture.”
Aside from excelling in her new role, Sophia is a keen advocate for making a positive contribution to the aboriginal community.
“I have already shown my interest in helping and collaborating with the planning of Aboriginal Service NSW trainee meetings this year, with agenda topics that are relevant and engaging for our trainees.”
Sophia has been exemplary in her traineeship, taking on every challenge with exhilarating gusto. Grateful for the experience she’s had, Sophia is keen to see more people use the VET pathway to further their career.
“I couldn’t recommend a traineeship more. Having a relationship with HVTC and the College really helped. I could call any time, and they were always there to help.” says Sophia. “My Field Officer, Gay Donnelly, consistently went above and beyond, always providing support and making my traineeship such a positive experience. I would not be where I am today without HVTC and Service NSW.”
- Skills champions