MRAEL trainee named Australia’s best

MRAEL school-based trainee and proud First Nations student Kyezaya Namai-Sabatino was named Australia’s best 2023 School-based Apprentice or Trainee at the 30th Australian Training Awards on Friday 17 November.

The Napranum resident, who is completing a Certificate II in Engineering, was recognised for his strong work ethic, passion and dedication to his traineeship at Rio Tinto Weipa.

As a school-based trainee, Kyezaya has found working with heavy machinery thrilling and combined with his strong work ethic has seen him excel in learning all the elements of his trade so far.

After doing work experience in diesel fitting at Andoom Heavy Equipment Workshop in Weipa, Kyezaya jumped at the opportunity to pursue a traineeship, “I have a big fascination for heavy machinery, from big trucks, to loaders and dozers on the mine sites. I was eager and motivated from the start to demonstrate high work ethic and commitment to my traineeship,” he said.

MRAEL (Part of the IntoWork Group) supported Kyezaya by developing skills to address issues that can impact on his work, schooling and off-the-job training. They also regularly check in how he’s progressing in his traineeship, both on and off the job to ensure he has a good scope of the whole industry.

In addition to undertaking his vocational pathway, Kyezaya was the School Vice-Captain and Sports Captain at his school and also involved in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aspirations program, where he was a state finalist in 2022. Kyezaya’s strong work commitment has seen him learn many of the elements of his trade, and his course has affirmed his desire to become a tradesperson in the future.

Kyezaya said he was over the moon to have won the prestigious award, “It’s a surreal moment to win this award. I owe it back to my parents who have helped me at every step of the way and taught me everything. This award means the world to me as I can influence others in the right direction of a Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathway and help
them pursue their dreams,” he said.

As for his future, Kyezaya hopes to continue working in the Engineering space, and is about to commence an apprenticeship with Rio Tinto Weipa as a Diesel Mechanic, “I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing now because it seems to be working and just hopefully in the process, it’s inspire others and influence them to pursue what they want in life.”

MRAEL CEO Christine Zechowski said Kyezaya was an excellent example of a trainee who is dedicated and passionate about their work, “He embodies the values of hard work and determination and is a role model for others who are considering a career in the trades. His success is a testament to the importance of setting goals and working hard to achieve them. Kyezaya’s commitment to excellence has earned him the respect of his peers, and is a reminder to us all that with dedication and passion,” she said.