Pictured: First Nations Trainee Bella with NAB Branch Manager, David
Meet Bella, a proud First Nations student in Year 12 at Greater Shepparton Secondary College, who is completing a First Nations School-based traineeship through Maxima.
School-based traineeships enable senior school students to combine studies with paid employment, while working towards a nationally recognised qualification.
Bella has been thriving in her role as a Banking Consultant with her host employer NAB Shepparton, where her responsibilities include teller services, customer service, account support including deposits and withdrawals, online statements, balances, assisting with digital banking, and concierge. Bella spends one day a week at the Branch, with additional days during school holidays.
NAB Branch Manager David reflects on Bella’s journey and says two key quotes aptly reflect her outstanding performance: ‘Failure to prepare is preparing to fail’ and ‘Go slow to go fast’. As David elaborates, ‘Both are relevant for what Bella does. Her preparation does not go unnoticed — she is punctual, understands policy and asks questions. Bella is not rushed by customers or staff; she stays focused on the task at hand to ensure everything is correct the first time, with attention to detail.’
Balancing school and the traineeship has not been an issue for Bella. During NAIDOC Week, she received a Deadly Student Award, which recognises students nominated by their peers for living the Greater Shepparton Secondary College values, demonstrating leadership, a strong commitment to learning, and making positive contributions in the community.
Reflecting on her traineeship, Bella said she has enjoyed learning new skills and applying them in different ways. ‘I’ve worked with various customers and managed challenging situations with understanding and empathy. I’ve learnt how to manage stress and build resilience, and I’ve had the opportunity to work with such a great manager and a supportive team,’ she said.
Bella encourages other students to consider a School-based traineeship. ‘Do it! I’ve learnt a lot of skills, and it really prepares you for a job,’ she said. ‘It’s helped me to understand more about banking while still at school and given me a clear career pathway. It’s opened doors to knowledge and opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise.’
Her hard work has paid off – Bella has recently been offered a permanent position with NAB, where she will continue to grow her skills and build a career in the finance sector.
‘If I didn’t do the traineeship, I would never have considered banking as an option. But I’m really enjoying the tasks, the skills, the team, my manager – and a career in finance is where I want to be.’
Bella’s journey is proof that a School-based Traineeship with Maxima doesn’t just open doors – it enables you to walk right through them.
Read more of Bella’s story also published on NAB’s website here: https://www.nab.com.au/news/sustainability-community/shepparton-teen-banks-on-finance-career