19-year-old Glenmore Park resident Elyssia Sultana had recently graduated from High School and had no set plan on what she was wanting to do. She saw the opportunity of a traineeship through Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) and thought it would be a once in a lifetime experience that would allow her to learn and develop.
The Business Administration Trainee said that she had developed skills during her traineeship from subject matter experts within WSI and had gained her Certificate IV in Business studied at Liverpool TAFE.
“My role at WSI is primarily in administration, working with people in my team to learn and take onboard their responsibilities”, said Ms Sultana.
“I’ve also assisted with the WSI Community Open Day and worked with the Early Careers Network on a fundraising event at WSI for the Cancer Council.
“Being a part of a massive infrastructure project has enabled me to experience a corporate working environment and I have gained interpersonal skills while being able to work full-time and study.”
Currently there are more than 4,000 people working on site at WSI. Half of the project’s workforce live in Western Sydney and around a third are learning new skills on-the-job.
Once the airport becomes operational in late 2026, there will be significant new job opportunities directly with the airport and with local businesses supporting the new airport.
Katy Hannouch, General Manager – Community Engagement and Social Impact at WSI said that the Traineeship Program at WSI equips students with practical skills combined with formal education to build capability and employment pathways for the community in Western Sydney.
“The Traineeship Program is aimed at HSC graduate students and the trainees work in a twelve-month paid program. Students work four days a week and attend TAFE on the fifth day to further their studies.
“The program is extremely popular. We have had more than 400 applications for the next round of trainees.
“WSI supports the student’s academic studies, and the interns work on specialist projects along with a staff mentor.
“Trainees are provided with practical skills and experience in a supportive and collaborative environment, with significant networking and professional development opportunities.
“The Traineeship Program connects WSI with educational institutions such as local TAFEs and provides pathways for employment.
“The program also provides WSI with a recruitment pipeline and the students in the program provide the opportunity to diversify our workforce by attracting individuals from various backgrounds”, said Ms Hannouch.
Ms Sultana added “being part of the WSI team has allowed me to work in a positive and supportive working environment, while developing my education and work knowledge.
“The traineeship has also enabled me to create network building opportunities which will allow me to further my career.”