Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year
Supported by
About Mas National
Your local apprenticeship, traineeship and employment experts
Mas National (Mas), proudly part of the IntoWork Group, has been delivering employment and apprenticeship support services across Australia for over 25 years. We partner with government, industry, employers, individuals and other stakeholders to facilitate apprenticeship sign-ups, deliver targeted mentoring and to create workforce participation opportunities, across all industries.
As a trusted Apprentice Connect Provider, delivering Australian Apprenticeship Support Services to employers and apprentices across NSW, ACT, QLD, SA and TAS, and a Workforce Australia Provider in NSW, QLD, SA, VIC and WA, we are committed to delivering better workplace solutions for individuals and businesses through Australian Apprenticeship and employment programs.
Our willingness and ability to approach each stakeholder as unique, means our services and solutions are tailor-made to each and every customer. Our personalised approach enables us to be flexible, adaptive and serve all equally well.
Whether you’re a job seeker needing support to secure an apprenticeship, a small business owner looking to grow your network, an employer or individual who would benefit from mentoring, or a community member who needs a helping hand, Mas has you covered!
Read how Mas employer, Amir Ansari, a refugee turned tradie is helping other refugees with their apprenticeships.
In collaboration with local partners across Western Sydney & Blue Mountains and Illawarra & South East NSW, Mas Career Development Counsellors coached and mentored women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to develop the awareness, skills and confidence they need to transition to meaningful and sustainable trades careers.
The program worked closely with Mas partners including local employment service providers, Employment Plus, Aboriginal Employment Strategy (AES), Navitas, Dress for Success Sydney, Empowered Women in Trades and Awesome Women in Construction.
Whether you’re a job seeker needing support to secure an apprenticeship, a small business owner looking to grow your network, an employer or individual that would benefit from mentoring, or a community member that needs a helping hand, Mas has you covered!
Visit masnational.com.au.
Corina Button
Qualification
Certificate III in Business
Trained by
TAFE NSW
Employed by
Sydney Water
Region
Southern & South Western Sydney Region
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Corina Button joined Sydney Water as a trainee looking for greater stability in her career. But ultimately, she gained more than she ever imagined.
Securing the position and starting her Certificate III in Business, Corina displayed remarkable enthusiasm and honed her communication, time-management and problem-solving skills.
While finding balance between work and life as a mother of six proved challenging, Corina’s determination saw her complete the traineeship in the allotted 12-month timeframe. Not only was she rewarded with her qualification, but a new lease on life. “The impact of my training has been profound – both personally and professionally,” says Corina. “I’ve witnessed a remarkable transformation in my confidence and self-belief, which has empowered me to pursue further development in my career.”
Now, as a permanent employee of Sydney Water, Corina is continuing to blossom. Lauded for her business acumen and leadership skills, Corina’s cultural contributions have helped promote understanding and inclusivity within the organisation.
Hank Flett
Qualification
Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management
Trained by
Tocal College
Employed by
Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council
Region
New England Region
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Hank Flett was drawn to his vocational qualification by a strong sense of responsibility to both Culture and Country. As a proud Gomeroi man, Hank is constantly motivated to heal Country, drawing upon the restoration practices and time-honoured traditions of his ancestors.
In his role as a Conservation Field Support Officer (Aboriginal Ranger) with NSW Local Land Services, Hank took on a Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management.
Completing his qualification after a particularly trying time for his family, Hank gained so much. “Being able to visibly see Country improve and change from the work I have learnt and implemented has been the highlight.” Citing leadership opportunities and personal growth, Hank can’t recommend this pathway highly enough. “I’d encourage anyone to seek out their passion and utilise the opportunities of VET – particularly young people within my own community who feel that they may not be able to access further education or career paths due to cultural or socio-economic barriers,” he says.
Baylun Williams-Pinkie
Qualification
Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
Trained by
TAFE NSW
Region
Central & Northern Sydney Region
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With a dream to complete a trade and create a better future, Baylun Williams-Pinkie got everything he was hoping for through his vocational pathway. And, as a proud Mirring and Wiradjuri man, he’s dedicated to seeing his own successes mirrored by others in his community.
Taking on a Certificate III in Electrotechnology, Baylun quickly got a sense of just how many opportunities his trade would open for him. He also gained so much support and confidence from the team of Indigenous men and women around him.
Now, balancing his work as a fully qualified electrician with the Indigenous dance group he runs and cultural teaching opportunities, he frequently takes time to advocate for this pathway, in the hope that other First Nations people find the life-changing career he did through vocational education.