Created to provide meaningful learning opportunities and experiences for First Nations students who are studying retail, The Sussan Group Traineeship Program is delivering results for both participants and businesses.

With an aim and commitment to supporting career pathways and opportunities with the focus and priority to embed belonging, safety, care, fairness and respect, into every area of their business and culture, The Sussan Group partners with Maxima to support their First Nations School-based Traineeships.

The Group said the program is an important part of its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan commitments: "Continue to support education and employment pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples."

Selected as Sportsgirl's first-ever school-based trainee, proud First Nations woman Destiny Lui has now completed her traineeship.

The 17-year-old told National Indigenous Times she came across the Traineeship opportunity through a senior guidance officer in school, "and it immediately stood out to me as a great opportunity to gain real-world experience".

"I was looking for something that would allow me to learn while working, and this felt like the perfect pathway. I decided to go for it, and I'm really glad I did," she said.

"The program combined hands-on work with structured learning, which made it really engaging," Lui said.

"A typical day involved working alongside my team, supporting customers, and completing day-to-day tasks, while also developing important workplace skills.

"I also had the opportunity to learn more about communication, teamwork, and responsibility. Every day was a chance to improve and challenge myself."

Regularly enjoying expressing her creativity through art, Lui said the program had a positive impact on both her confidence and creativity.

"I enjoy getting creative through painting and printmaking, and I also enjoy spending time with my family," she said.

"I am motivated to build a strong future not just for myself but for the people around me

"This experience has had a really positive impact on my confidence and direction. It helped me realise what I'm capable of and gave me a clearer idea of what I want for my future.

"I've gained practical skills that I can take into any workplace, and it's motivated me to keep growing and aiming higher."

Looking ahead, Lui is eager to continue her involvement and work with Sportsgirl, all whilst progressing and exploring new opportunities that come her way.

"At the moment I am currently working as a Part-time Sales Assistant at Sportsgirl," she said.

"I'm focused on continuing to build my skills and experience, and I am excited to see where this pathway continues to take me next.

"In the future, I'm hoping to keep progressing in my career, exploring new opportunities that align with my goals and continuing to inspire younger people.

"As a young Indigenous person, it's important for me to set a positive example for younger people and show that they can aim high and create their own paths as well."

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