Chloe McDonald's Inspiring Journey as a Business Trainee with DELWP

Chloe McDonald is a Gunditjmara woman and a 23-year-old graduate of the WPC Group's trainee support program. She completed her traineeship with DELWP's Biodiversity Division, where she gained a Certificate III in Business.

ince then, she has been selected to be part of the Barring Djinang Vocational Education and Training Graduate Program and continue her employment at DELWP.

Chloe performed with an all-Aboriginal opera called "Peacan Summer," which tells the story of the Yorta Yorta people's walk-off from their mission. After the performances, they heard Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's apology speech, and Chloe says there was not a dry eye left on stage or in the crowd of thousands of people from all walks of life and culture.

The traineeship helped Chloe build on different aspects of herself and gave her more than anybody could ever imagine. It has given her a career within the Victorian Public Service (VPS), a nationally recognised qualification, and the opportunity to meet some really awesome people that she has the utmost respect for.

Chloe advises those considering an apprenticeship or traineeship to research the opportunities and talk to people like her about their experiences. She also suggests being smart with finances, completing the traineeship, and taking advantage of the many career opportunities that it opens.