MEET OUR AFL SPORTS READY ARTS TRAINEE - Caitlyn De Ryk

Many of our students and families will know or recognise Caitlyn from her outstanding performances in our College productions over the last few years and her role as Arts Captain in 2024.

Students may also have noticed Caitlyn back at the College this year as our 2025 AFL Sports Ready Arts Trainee, which she applied for at the end of Year 12, as an alternative to heading straight into university.

Caitlyn says applying for the traineeship was an excellent option for her gap year.

“I get to save up for travel and university, it’s in a familiar location, and I get to be part of the Arts Department. The inclusion of a free Certificate III TAFE course as part of the traineeship is super handy, too. Having that under my belt for next year will be great.”

Caitlyn lives and breathes the Arts, and in Year 12, she studied Drama, Art and History, as well as English Literature.

“Juggling three folio-based subjects was no joke! But I’m grateful that I took them as I am passionate about the Arts, and they allowed me to see what pathways were available for someone with a creative mindset.”

An average day for Caitlyn this year involves assisting with the day-to-day running of the Arts Department. She assists in classes, organises materials, tidies up after student activities, and goes on excursions. She also helps set up advertising for Arts opportunities within the College. Caitlyn particularly enjoys the autonomy she has in managing her own schedule and priorities.

“I have definitely gained a higher sense of responsibility since beginning this role, as I essentially make my own schedule and spread out my tasks throughout the day. It has also helped me become comfortable in a working environment.”

After finishingYear 12 at the end of last year, the rapid leap from student to staff member at Mater Christi has felt surreal for Caitlyn, but it didn’t take long for her to get used to her new place in the school.

“I really enjoy working alongside the Arts team and seeing what goes into planning activities in the school. It has given me a whole new perspective on how a school runs. It did feel strange at first going from student to staff member so quickly, but I’ve come to enjoy it. I feel like I’ve fit right back into the Mater community and can engage with all the staff and students on a different level.”

As many of us know, new jobs can be daunting, even if you are in familiar surroundings. But Caitlyn says there is plenty of support for trainees, not only from the staff at Mater but also from Sports Ready (which funds the program) and her course providers at TAFE.

“I have felt 100% supported. There is always somebody I can go to for help, and overall, I feel very comfortable.”

Next year, Caitlyn intends to begin an Arts degree at Monash University, which she was accepted into at the end of 2024, following her Year 12 results. Through the degree, she will be able to explore all the areas of the Arts that interest her, and she hopes that experience will lead her to a career she is passionate about and open up more ways for her to incorporate the Arts into her daily life.

Caitlyn is keen to encourage others to consider a traineeship after Year 12 as a way of opening up more opportunities.

“For anyone unsure about taking on the traineeship - I highly recommend it! It might seem daunting initially, but it is such great work experience. Having the traineeship under your belt can provide you with heaps of future opportunities, and you can get as much as you want out of the experience.”

More about theAFL Sports Ready Traineeships

AFL Sports Ready is an entry-level training and support program that combines practical work experience with vocational education, helping young Australians kick-start their careers while supporting employers to build skilled and qualified workforces.

Traineeships are paid employment and education training programs that give individuals a nationally recognised qualification. Trainees can earn while they learn, gaining real-world experience and invaluable skills along the way.

While undertaking a traineeship, AFL Sports Ready is the employer and places you in an organisation for approximately one year. Trainees will undertake a:

• 12-month placement in an organisation
• Free Certificate III or IV at TAFE
• Work a minimum of 38 hours a week.

Throughout the traineeship journey, individuals are guided and supported by a team of dedicated professionals.

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