Trainees at St Paul's enjoy a unique experience with students

Four students took up the positions this year, two as Youth Ministry Officers, one as an Aboriginal Liaison Trainee and the fourth as a Sports Trainee.

Principal of St Paul's College, Kevin Lewis, said the traineeships offer the students a unique opportunity to experience work life before making decisions about their careers or study options.

Kevin said the trainees, who undertake a course to prepare them for the roles, are paid employees of the college.

"We advertise the positions in Term 3 and the applicants undergo a normal job interview," he said.

Damien Owens, who is the Sports Assistant Trainee this year, said it took a while for him to feel comfortable calling his former teachers by their first name.

"Some kids can't wait to leave school, but here I am back at the college straight after graduating," he said.

"I love helping with the sports program which is very popular with our students."

Damien, who plays rugby union and is a lifeguard at local beaches said he is planning to enrol in university next year.

For the first time in 2020, the position of Aboriginal Education Officer Trainee was established. Young Indigenous community leader, Monique Brown, approached Mr Lewis about establishing the position when she was still in Year 12.

Monique said she felt that the position would be of great value to the young Indigenous students at St Paul's.

"A lot of the Indigenous students talk to me about the normal issues facing young people," Monique said.

Monique studied Aboriginal Studies at St Paul's in Year 11 and 12 and now works with the college's Aboriginal Dance group and has established a fortnightly get together offering a safe space for girls to discuss issues of concern.

For Darcy O'Loughlin, who is planning to study for a degree in forensic science, the traineeship as a Youth Ministry Officer has given her the opportunity to learn about the work environment and to further explore her spirituality.

Calissa Denaro, also a Youth Ministry Officer, said that she and Darcy are in a unique position to relate to students.

"The students all know us, we're young, they're not scared to talk with us, and we know where they are coming from", Calissa said.