We believe in turning possibilities into reality and that’s exactly what Clayton Lavis, James Hewitson and Ahanu Dewhirst have done by completing the Today’s Skills, Tomorrow’s Leaders (TSTL) program.
TSTL is a national leadership program for high-achieving apprentices and trainees. Each year, only 25 people across Australia get selected. James was accepted in 2022, and Ahanu in 2023, a huge achievement!
James Hewitson (Left), Ahanu Dewhirst (Middle), Clayton Lavis (Right)
Clayton Lavis wasn’t sure where his career would take him at first. After feeling unfulfilled at university, he completed a civil construction traineeship before realising his real interest was in business. In May 2023, he started a Certificate III in Business Administration through Community Solutions Traineeship Program and completed it two months ahead of schedule.
Now completing his traineeship at Pacific Rim Technical Services, Clayton has impressed both his employer and his field officer with his commitment to learning and improving processes.
Clayton’s hard work has also had a personal impact on his younger siblings who see him as proof that unconventional pathways can lead to success.
On top of being selected for TSTL for 2024, Clayton was a state finalist at the 2024 Queensland Training Awards, after winning the North Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Award.
“It’s scary doing something new, but if you really want something, you can go get it. I want my siblings to see that they can step outside their comfort zones too.”
Clayton Lavis (Left)
Ahanu Dewhirst always had a passion for tech, but a four-year uni degree wasn’t the right fit for him. Instead, he worked in customer service management for years before deciding to go after the IT career he really wanted.
Through the Community Solutions Traineeship Program, he completed a Certificate III in Information Technology, working at Endeavour Foundation’s Support Centre ICT team. Determined to make the most of the opportunity, he completed his qualification in just seven months, 17 months early!
Since then, Ahanu has landed a permanent job as a Service Desk Technician and then as a Planning and Governance Analyst, not to mention has won three Endeavour Foundation Reward and Recognition awards. Keen to keep moving forward, he applied for and thrived in the 2023 TSTL program.
“TSTL helped me push my limits and think about what kind of leader I want to be.
It also gave me the chance to showcase the value of apprenticeship and traineeship pathways, which I’m really passionate about.”
🎥 Watch Ahanu’s TSTL video
James Hewitson has had a varied career. After serving in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), an injury at 21 meant he had to rethink everything. Over the years, he worked in security, car sales, train driving, labouring and even owned his own mechanic business.
But between redundancies and industry instability, it was tough to find long-term security. With another baby on the way, James needed a stable career that could support his family. That’s when a mate from the ADF mentioned a maritime traineeship. The applications were already closed, but James took a chance, handed in his resume in person and got the job on the spot.
Through Community Solutions Apprenticeships, he completed a Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Master up to 24 metres Near Coastal), hosted by Pacific Marine Group. He worked hard, finished his two-year traineeship in just 14 months and was hired permanently the day after he completed.
Since then, James has had some pretty incredible experiences, including spending three weeks working on a research vessel in the Great Barrier Reef.
James was selected for the 2022 TSTL program, where he spent a week in Canberra sharpening his leadership skills and making connections.
“The opportunities are endless; you’ve just got to go get them.”
🎥 Watch James’ TSTL video
James Hewitson (Right)
James and Ahanu are proof that when people are given the right opportunities and support, they can build careers that truly work for them. Their stories show why we’re committed to making sure people we support have access to paid jobs that suit their skills and ambitions.
We’re so proud of what they’ve achieved, and we can’t wait to see what’s next!
If you or someone you know is seeking fulfilling and secure employment, our team is here to help. We take the time to understand your unique circumstances, aspirations, and challenges, working with you to find meaningful employment that aligns with your skills and goals. Reach out to us today to discover how our Apprenticeship and Traineeship services can make a difference in your journey towards success.
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