Photo: Elkira at the Santos Aboriginal Power Cup, Port Adelaide FC - May 2026
“Doing a traineeship means you’re earning and learning at the same time. You’re getting real industry experience while you’re still figuring things out – that’s something you just can’t get from a classroom alone.”
It could be said that Maxima has always been part of proud Waka Waka woman Elkira’s life. Her mother spent twenty years working within Maxima’s Indigenous Employment JobReady programs – so it really is no surprise that Elkira is now carving her own path with Maxima.
“I didn’t really know what I wanted to do when I left school,” Elkira reflects. “But I knew I wanted to get out there and try something.”
That willingness to jump in led her to a hospitality traineeship at Ayers Rock Resort where she lived, worked, and studied.
“Doing a traineeship means you’re earning and learning at the same time. You’re getting real industry experience while you’re still figuring things out – that’s something you just can’t get from a classroom alone.”
The resort saw enough in Elkira to offer her a permanent role, and she stayed for close to two years before returning to Adelaide, continuing to work in hospitality and building her skills.
When she decided it was time for a change, she applied to Maxima for an internal business traineeship – and found herself working across Maxima’s Indigenous Employment and Group Training programs, which supports apprentices and trainees throughout their placements.
It was a natural fit. And at the completion of her traineeship, Maxima offered Elkira a permanent position within the Group Training and Indigenous Employment administration team.
“I love what I do. I get to support the recruitment and induction of new apprentices and trainees – and watching them progress, seeing them go on their own journey,’ she said.
Today, Elkira is looking forward to welcoming a new trainee to her own team – and stepping into a mentoring role as part of their induction and ongoing training.
“I know what it’s like to not know what you want to do. I know what it’s like to take a chance on a traineeship and have it change your life. I want to be that person for someone else now.”
As for what the future holds, Elkira keeps an open mind – a quality that has served her well.
“I’m not sure exactly where I’m headed next. Maybe more study. I’ve always loved animals, so something in that space one day, possibly. But right now, I’m really happy at Maxima.”
What she is certain about is what she’d like to see more of in the workforce: greater Indigenous employment pathways into trades, with real opportunities for Indigenous people to gain skills and return to work in their communities.
“There’s so much potential. If we can create more pathways – proper, supported pathways – for Indigenous people to go into trades and bring those skills back home, that would be something really special.”
One of the things Elkira values most about Maxima isn’t a program or a placement – it’s the yarning circles the organisation holds for First Nations trainees in South Australia.
“I’ve sat in those circles as a trainee and now as a staff member. It’s such a good thing. You get to step away from the day-to-day, connect with other trainees, build cultural awareness, and just take a moment to reconnect with what’s important.”
Stacy Thomas, General Manager of Group Training at Maxima, was generous in her praise for Elkira’s contribution to the team.
“Elkira has grown from a quiet and unsure new trainee into a capable and trusted team member who now plays a key role in our daily operations, bringing energy, warmth and authenticity to the workplace and becoming the heart of our team culture,” she said.
“Her commitment was rewarded last year when she was named as a finalist in last year’s Maxima Awards in the category of First Nations Trainee of the Year. While Elkira didn’t take out the top prize, we still think she’s a winner!”
Maxima is committed to being a culturally safe organisation for First Nations people – in its workforce, its programs, and its partnerships. From dedicated Indigenous Employment Programs and culturally informed recruitment practices, to yarning circles that create space for connection and reflection, Maxima works to ensure that Indigenous staff, trainees, and clients feel genuinely supported.
Elkira’s story is a testament to what’s possible when that commitment is real.
“Maxima has always felt like a place where I belong. That’s not something you take for granted.”
Interested in finding out more?
Maxima has helped thousands of First Nations people build rewarding careers across a wide range of industries and locations throughout Australia. Whether you’re a First Nations job seeker exploring traineeship opportunities, or a business looking to create meaningful employment pathways, we’re here to help.
- Job seekers – Discover our First Nations traineeship programs and find a pathway that works for you. Explore here >
- Employers – Partner with Maxima to create identified First Nations roles and build a more inclusive workforce. Learn about First Nations Recruitment Solutions >