Trent Mortenson is an 18-year-old Aboriginal student, and is fast becoming a role model in the community. Trent has just completed his two-year-long AES school-based traineeship (Certificate II in Food Processing) with SnapFresh, a catering division of Qantas. He also recently won the Trainee of the Year Award at the annual AES Brisbane Business and Career Seeker Awards.
His supervisors have been very impressed by his ability, skills and growing confidence and his desire to challenge himself. He is so hard-working that he completed all of his study modules within first year of his traineeship. We are also inspired by Trent’s story as he has lived with Cerebal Palsy.
Trent Mortenson (middle) with AES Careers Consultant, Tammy Iselin and Qantas representative, Debbie Lanham
Trent is now looking to start his Diploma in Management, and aspires to a leadership role as a manager for Qantas. He has been kind enough to share his experience as an AES trainee, as well as his future career goals.
- On his traineeship: “I’ve really enjoyed it. I have developed many new skills, and have started networking and building really beneficial professional relationships.”
- On how the AES has helped Trent grow through his traineeship: “I was shy at first, but my confidence grew as a I became more competent with the skills required to get the job done. I now have the confidence and pride to achieve more.”
- On his future goals and dreams: “I want to get my Diploma in Management at TAAFE – which I’m looking into at the moment. Having this extra experience will help me with my dream career – a management role with Qantas.”
- On his advice for other career seekers: “Go and get qualified – go to TAFE and definitely work with an organisation like the AES to help guide you. You need to learn about certain careers to find out if they fit your personality and study gives you this knowledge. You get a mixture of theory and experience, which is beneficial. Having a mentor at the AES has been awesome too – being able to chat regularly and receive advice is useful and helps you not get overwhelmed, or bored or defeated.”
Trent is an excellent role model for future Indigenous trainees, and the AES is proud to share his story, achievements and future goals and eager to watch as he pursues his dream in securing a long term career with Qantas. If you are inspired by Trent’s story, and interested in learning more about how the AES can assist you in gaining experience, knowledge and direction through a traineeship, check out our Facebook page or stop in to your local AES office.
Aboriginal Employment Strategy 