Kick start your career in health with School-based Traineeships

Nikki has been with Connect ‘n’ Grow since 2015. She started in our original office in Vickers Road, Condon, to help out with some administration during a stint on maternity leave. This very quickly turned into more than a job. Nikki has held many roles within Connect ‘n’ Grow over the years and now leads vital relationships with our school partners.

Rick began with Seed Foundation Australia in 2018. He is committed to growing young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth into employment pathways. Rick is an example of promoting within and is now the Operational Manager for Seed and CnG Employment. Rick is a firm believer that through education and employment, young First Nations students can become valued productive members of their families and their communities.

Rachel has been with Connect ‘n’ Grow since 2016. Over the years, Rachel has been known as an all-rounder. She has worked in Seed Foundation and CnG Employment and understands how all the elements work together to provide a one-stop employment model. Rachel is an example of a promotion within to become the Head of Corporate Services.

Farai worked in the early days at Connect ‘n’ Grow whilst completing a PhD at Southern Cross University. He coordinated relevant analyses, policy briefs business cases and program support across our Nutritional Health Promotion, Youth Awareness on University Education, Workforce Development and Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Schools programs. Farai was integral in the initial submissions in getting Seed recognised a DGR-1 registered not-for-profit. His learnings and growth from Connect ‘n’ Grow have provided him with a solid foundation in development work applicable to global communities.

Naizel Enosa from Badu Island in the Torres Straits is one of our first graduates from the original two-year program. He completed his Bachelor of Nursing degree at Deakin University and is now a Registered Nurse working through Indigenous communities in Far North Queensland.

Lahana Zaro was a student at Kirwan State High School in Townsville. She completed a Certificate II in Health Support Services and Certificate III in Health Services Assistance whilst at school. Lahana completed a Traineeship at Cate’s Chemist as a Pharmacist Assistant once completed Year 12 and is now working there full-time.

Stevie Barrett was a student at Gilroy Santa Maria College in Ingham. Shen completed her Certificate III in Health Services Assistance whilst at school. Stevie completed her Diploma of Nursing at the Mater Hospital in 2022. She now lives in Emerald and has been accepted into the casual pool for Central Highland / Emerald Hospital, with a possible position with Blue Care.

Sarita Lawyer is one of the original trainers where the program started at Abergowrie College. After many years of teaching Sarita completed a medical degree and works as a doctor in the Northern Territory. Sarita is also a Director on the Seed Foundation Australia Board.