A COOMA teenager who is working at Snowy Hydro is encouraging school leavers to consider a TAFE NSW traineeship to give them a running start to a successful career.

Brooke Fletcher, 19, shared her ‘huge advantage’ of completing a business traineeship through TAFE NSW and Snowy Hydro in 2023, which led her to secure a position in the company’s organisation development team.

Ms Fletcher, who completed a Certificate III in Business at TAFE NSW Cooma, received on-the-job training at Snowy Hydro, allowing her to ‘earn and learn’ simultaneously.

“The ability to secure a TAFE NSW certificate while earning money was the perfect way to get qualified,” Ms Fletcher said.

“Completing a traineeship, you’re able to put into practice what you’re learning at TAFE NSW and practical, on-the-job training suits my learning style.”

Group Executive Safety, People, Community and Services, Gabrielle Curtin says Snowy Hydro has been running school-leaver programs for 30 years.

“We are extremely proud to continue investing in local young people and our future workforce,” Ms Curtin said.

“Developing a pipeline of highly-trained staff right across the region is critical to ensure we have the skilled workforce needed to keep driving the business and the renewable energy transition.

“Brooke is an excellent role model for other teens as she epitomises our Snowy Values, especially teamwork and decency. As a finalist in our 2023 Values Awards, we are thrilled that she chose to stay with Snowy and undertake a second traineeship to further develop her skills in human resources.”

TAFE NSW Cooma teacher Elizabeth Willett said a business traineeship provided a solid foundation for a variety of careers.

“The traineeship program ensures students are exposed to practical skills and work experience and graduate with a nationally recognised qualification,” Ms Willett said.

“This program is so valuable to a regional town because it allows young people to have access to top quality training and work at the same time, without having to leave home.”