Pathway to employment

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

Kiana Stewart is taking advantage of the courses on offer through Marni Waiendi.

At just 20, Kiana Stewart has built up her qualifications to help secure one of her dream jobs.

But she isn’t set on one pathway, Kiana is keeping her options open.

“I would like to become a mentor for Aboriginal students or an Aboriginal support worker within schools,” Kiana said. “I had a mentor growing up and it helped my mindset today.”

Along with studies in Early Childhood Education and Care and Aboriginal studies, Kiana has completed First Aid and White Card thanks to training run at Marni Waiendi, an assistance and support centre for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

Kiana said the First Aid training supported her pathway into education, while the White Card supported her other career aspiration. “I have always been hands-on as well, I’ve always liked construction,” Kiana said.

Through Marni Waiendi, Kiana is currently undergoing the Wheels in Motion program that looks to overcome the barrier to employment and further education. The program provides Kiana with driving experience and also gives her the skills to prepare for her provisional licence.

“Wheels in Motion will support me getting my licence so I can then get to and from my courses and upcoming traineeship,” she said. “I am about to start an 18-month traineeship at a local early learning centre.”

Marni Waiendi is a transition centre that provides the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community with information and referrals to assist with access to mainstream and First Nationspecific programs and services.

Each year the centre offers a range of training including first aid, driver’s education, leadership and literacy courses with more than 70 people completing their training over the past 12 months.

Marni Waiendi also supports with cultural activities and events such as Deadly Fridays, Sorry Day, Reconciliation and NAIDOC Week.