Pathways To Success: Victorian Training Awards Nominee Paris Paul
Paris shares her insights as to how she’s successfully juggled study, a traineeship and COVID-disrupted learning among other hurdles over the past year.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a hurdle familiar to all of us in many facets of our lives. However, when it came to VCAL student Paris Paul, navigating an educational venture around the same time the COVID-19 pandemic swept the nation has only fuelled her fire.
In Paris’s experience, her learning journey has included valuable life lessons that contributed to her success during her traineeship and completing a Certificate III in Business. Her employer was impressed by her ability to step up and action all the measures learned during her traineeship (including “Infection Control Training – COVID-19”) and by how well she handled many different situations, oftentimes without assistance. Having to complete online learning while continuing to attend an essential service workplace was at times stressful and challenging.
Paris shares her insights as to how she’s successfully juggled study, a traineeship and COVID-disrupted learning among other hurdles over the past year.
Why did you choose a Certificate III in Business?
I chose to commence the Certificate III in Business (BSB30115) traineeship during Year 10 because business as a career looks incredibly interesting and I would like to work in business administration in the years to come. Preferably as a ward clerk or medical receptionist.
Do you have any hurdles you had to overcome outside of COVID?
Living with an auditory-processing disorder requires a lot of initiative. With a limited recall, I needed to concentrate and listen far more attentively than others to retain training and workplace instructions. To overcome this, I ensured that my teachers and trainers understood my condition and regularly sought clarification and feedback to ensure that I am on the right track.
I think balancing school assignments and completing business modules at the same time was also an adjustment. I have learned that by fostering good organisational skills, dedication and hard work, I could manage completing required tasks for both VCAL and Certificate III Business on time. Whilst challenging, it’s been a great learning opportunity, and I can now relate to the importance of time management skills in the workplace.
What does your award nomination mean to you?
This award will enable me to spread the word on how great VCAL and school-based traineeships can be for student’s personal and professional growth! While working at the Wallan Neighbourhood House, I have grown so much as a person and feel empowered in the workforce to achieve anything I put my mind to. I have gained confidence in, not only myself but also my capabilities in business and customer service. My advice to others considering doing a school-based traineeship is if you get the chance GO FOR IT!
Paris has proven to be such an exceptional example of VCAL and school-based traineeship learning that she has been nominated for the 2021 Victorian Training Awards as School-Based Trainee of the Year. GOTAFE is proud to have Paris nominated and be recognised and celebrated for her outstanding achievements.
Finalists will be announced in August, wishing you all the success Paris and thank you for sharing your story!