mmg.com.au

Benalla P-12 College student Courtney Howe has been welcomed to the Commonwealth Bank’s Benalla branch as a new trainee under the Indigenous School Based Traineeship (ISBT) program.

A Year 11 student, Ms Howe commenced her training with the Commonwealth Bank in December and worked full-time during the school holidays. During the school year Ms Howe will work one day per week as she completes her VCE certificate.

‘‘I am really looking forward to getting some valuable hands-on experience in the workplace throughout my two-year traineeship at the Benalla Commonwealth Bank branch,’’ Ms Howe said.

The Commonwealth Bank has been offering traineeships since 2003 to Year 11 and Year 12 students throughout its national branch network, and this year will continue its commitment to creating opportunities for Indigenous young people through the ISBT program.

‘‘It is great to see so many enthusiastic students continuing to sign up for the ISBT program year on year, and being proactive in shaping their career and future development,’’ the bank’s group corporate affairs indigenous employment manager Phil Lockyer said.

‘‘We are proud to help students gain valuable skills and confidence that can lead to permanent employment following their completion of high school.’’

From the 26 trainees who completed the ISBT program this year, more than half are continuing on with a permanent job at their branches.

This traineeship program forms part of the Commonwealth Bank’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) which aims to support the development of skills in Indigenous communities.