Teenagers such as Raeona Weaver and Saripha Sesar are the future of the Shooting Stars program.
The Year 12 students are the first school-based trainees for Shooting Stars.
Derby’s Weaver, 17, and Carnarvon’s Sesar, 17, are completing the traineeship one day a week alongside their WA Certificate of Education.
Shooting Stars Executive Officer Fran Haintz said the initiative showed the clear career pathway for local Aboriginal women through the program.
“Both of the girls are doing a Certificate III in Sport and Recreation,” Haintz said.
“That will allow them to graduate with their WA Certificate of Education with a vocational pathway. When the young ladies successfully complete their traineeships, we aim to employ them as full-time assistants in 2020.”
Shooting Stars is aiming to have a school-based trainee at each of its eight sites across Western Australia’s remote towns and communities.
The traineeships provide opportunities for the girls to commence work in a safe environment whilst still studying and living at home.
Sesar has been a Shooting Stars participant for the past two years and led a girls’ health project in Carnarvon last year as a part of her Shooting Stars leadership project.
Like Sesar, Weaver is also a netballer.
“I enjoy playing netball and participating in a range of sports and being outdoors,” Weaver said.
“My hobbies include being outdoors, photography, creative drawing, writing and design. I am looking to further my career and expand my knowledge in the workforce by gaining on the job training and experience.”
While Weaver and Sesar are the first school-based trainees, there have been a number of Shooting Star trainees move through the ranks.
Derby Program Coordinator Kirsten Howard started her career as a trainee in 2016.
“Kirsten completed her training and the next year was employed as an Assistant Coordinator. After two years in this role the Program Coordinator role became available and Kirsten gladly accepted the challenge.” Haintz said.
“Shooting Stars focus is supporting the ongoing development of Aboriginal woman and girls, inclusive of both our participants and our staff to have successful post-school pathways and careers.”
