Often we hear or read stories about ‘young people with bright futures’. It’s only when you meet such a character face-to-face you gauge the true meaning of this saying.
On Friday 16th April 2010, Pierre Chedraoui, who is currently in his 4th year as an IT cadet employed by 370˚ group and hosted to RMIT University, was awarded the Group Training Australia Trainee of the Year ahead of strong competition from across the country.
After being earmarked as a future leader, Pierre was given the opportunity to attend GTA’s Today’s Skills: Tomorrow’s Leaders program. He was one of 21 high achievers who were selected to participate in a program to develop leadership and self management skills. During this program Pierre attended a morning tea in Canberra where government representatives and industry officials were present to contribute to a discussion on the future of training in Australia. It was during this program Pierre’s hunt for success began.
Spend 10 minutes with Pierre and it doesn’t take long for his enthusiasm, zeal and inspiration to lead the conversation and justification for his standout achievements. 370˚ group recognised his talents and matched his skills with the requirements of the team at the College of Design and Social Context (DSC) at RMIT.
Pierre had more to offer than just a passion for the IT industry. With a love for music and a singing talent, Pierre was able combine to these two passions by proposing and implementing a sound studio at DSC. After previous failed attempts by others to establish a studio, Pierre took the initiative to research the reasons behind failed applications and presented strategies to combat concerns. By addressing all problems the final proposal secured a positive outcome and won the hearts of music students at RMIT and has inspired the build of another 2 sound studios. This achievement became the driving force behind his award win.
Pierre comments, “I wanted to make a difference and give something to the industry that was unique. RMIT is the place where, if you have an idea, these things can happen.”
“The support received from 370˚ group and RMIT University was excellent. Staff were willing to back me up 100% as long as I could prove dedication.”
So how does a young trainee gain so much confidence to stamp his mark on RMIT? “At the beginning of your traineeship, there are many ideas and thoughts running throught your mind but finding the courage to voice them is difficult. After seeing the results of your work and feedback, you develop a more positive attitude towards your tasks and your confidence increases."
His role as a Computer Service Officer involves help desk duties including system support, as well as the opportunity to work on separate high level and public projects giving him the chance to demonstrate his value, leadership and skills. Pierre’s management of the Green Building and Design Conference is a particular career highlight.
The conference focused on sustainability and required attendance from international visitors though the option of air transport would have produced unnecessary emissions. The decision to implement computer based conference tools presented an efficient environmentally friendly option. With 3 months to plan and having just been trained in Project Management as part of his IT training Pierre was in charge of researching and implementing a portal for communication with worldwide guests. He received overwhelming praise and has been asked to lead this conference again in 2010.
Pierre also has advice to those seeking to enter a traineeship, “Be yourself and don’t be afraid to speak up, voice your opinions and ideas. When starting be alert, in the zone and pay attention. Ensure you show your work colleagues the skills you have because eventually they will begin to trust your opinion and work ethic."
Watch this space as Pierre has big plans for his future to see his creative, strategic ideas grow. His goal to be leading a team at CEO level might not be such a long way off!
May 2010
To find out more, please call us on (03) 9389 9970 or email on traineeships@370degrees.com.au.
Trainee's dedication makes him Australia's best - RMIT University media release.
Pierre's qualifications and achievements.
Media release - Group Training Australia: Australia's top apprentices showcased in national awards.