Dedication earns trainee award
THERE’S no question about how Horn Island’s Teá Boyd will be spending her days off after winning The Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation Trainee of the Year award.
Her prize from Coca-Cola Amatil was a $10,000 dinghy.
“I feel good and excited and relieved after completing all my certificates and happy to own my own dinghy now,” said the 21-year-old, who works as a duty manager at Horn Island Supermarket & Cafe.
Ms Boyd was recognised for her dedication to her retail training studies, completing a Certificate IV in Retail while also expecting her first child.
She started working at the store five years ago and was promoted to duty manager because of her attention to detail and teamwork.
Ms Boyd said she was proud to receive the national award, but said it wasn’t all easy.
“Some of the challenges were trying to work around work and finish my studies and my pregnancy, so I was tired all the time,” she said.
“I’m proud of myself and the store management support has helped me. My manager, Robyn Emery, has supported me from day one.”
Ms Emery said Ms Boyd was an inspiration to her team.
“Teá has always shown leadership and motivation skills and I’m thrilled for her accomplishment. She deserves this award because she’s been an active duty manager for the last two years,” Ms Emery said.
“She’s taught me things that I was unsure about and we share our knowledge. She managed to keep working her shifts throughout her first pregnancy and that is a testament to her dedication.”
It’s the second consecutive year one of Ms Emery’s team has won the award. She says it’s all about encouragement and making time for studies.