Jade busily learning how business works

JADE Herlihy cannot believe how much her life has changed since she started a business traineeship with Mareeba business Local Rescue Swag a year ago.

The 23-year-old was recently named the region’s most outstanding business trainee of the year and trainee of the year at training and apprentice services business TORGAS.

A business traineeship covers a broad range of skills enabling the participant to take on a role as a clerk, administrator or business assistant.

Keyboard skills, word processing, maintaining spreadsheets and data base management is all taught and applied practically.

Other skills may include processing customer complaints, online purchase of goods and services and working within a team.

Ms Herlihy, from Atherton, said she was keen to put what she had learned on the job into wider practice in the future.

“I was working full time in a pharmacy for three years then took six months off and travelled, so that made me eligible for the state government Back to Work bonus,” she said.

“I do a bit of everything, photography, website, social media, building the online presence.

“I love that everyday is so different, always a chance to upskill and be creative.”

Rescue Swag supplies a smart first-aid kit and featured on the first series of reality TV show Shark Tank Australia.

Rescue Swag founder Tracey Beikoff said she was proud of Ms Herligy’s hard work.

“I’m so proud that my amazing trainee has been recognised – Jade is an incredible asset to Rescue Swag, beyond my greatest expectations,” she said. Ms Herligy will continue to work with Rescue Swag now that her traineeship has been completed.