Town’s top apprentice urges Hedland youth to engage in local traineeships and expand their skills

The best trainee in town has said there are a lot of great opportunities for young people in Port Hedland and encouraged her peers to seek them out. Paige Hill won the Trainee/Apprentice of the Year award at the Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business Excellence awards which were held on September 16. The award recognised Ms Hill’s outstanding work as a sport and recreation trainee at the Town of Port Hedland. Ms Hill got the position through the school-based trainee program which is a joint initiative between the Town of Port Hedland and Programmed Skill Workforce. She said the award came as a shock and was a great recognition at the start of her career. “It means everything because there is so much that can come from this award,” she said. “It has definitely just kick-started my career. “I really think the program gives you a really solid foundation and I think all young people should consider it.” The program provides wrap-around support for students who want to gain real workplace experience while they complete Year 11 and 12. Ms Hill, who has lived most of her life in town, got the opportunity while studying at Hedland Senior High School. She said there were a growing amount of opportunities for young people in town. “There are so many opportunities in Port Hedland for young people,” she said. “Especially in this program, it was a great chance to learn, earn and grow professionally.” Ms Hill said she was excited to explore multiple new opportunities at this early point in her career. The partnership between the Town and Programmed will have another intake of school-based trainees in 2024 and Ms Hill encouraged other students to apply.