Last year, 16-year-old Jasper Carstein joined our high school work experience program. Today, he’s working as an accounting trainee within our finance team and loving employment, on-the-job learning and working towards a formal qualification.
Jasper said he feels lucky to have landed at Southern Rural Water because he wasn’t aware of the work experience program until his career adviser emailed him about it.
“Fortunately, my career advisor at Catholic College Sale then helped fast-track my application and I made the cut-off date,” he said.
“I loved work experience immediately. The team, the work – it just felt right. At the end of my placement, I asked about a traineeship, but there were no openings,” he said.
Undaunted, in December 2024 Jasper successfully applied and was offered a two-month vocational summer internship.
“I showed up on the first day and thought, ‘I don’t want this to end,’” he said.
Jasper’s commitment and drive led to him accepting formal two-year traineeship contract in February this year.
Currently, Jasper is working towards his Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping, set to be completed by May 2026. However, he’s already thinking ahead.
“My manager David Faulkner and I have talked about me going further – maybe pursuing a Diploma if Southern Rural Water can accommodate it,” he said.
David Faulkner, Accounting Manager said Jasper’s positive attitude and drive were evident from the get-go.
“He proved his dedication and commitment in the work experience and vocational program, and this made the proposition of a traineeship attractive to us,” said David.
“From daily bank reconciliations to larger treasury assessments, he is gaining hands-on experience that most people his age would never have access to,” said David.
Raised in Licola, a remote town located in the Great Dividing Range, Jasper commutes 50 minutes each way to work in our regional office in Maffra.
Jasper said he always wanted to live and work in Gippsland and securing a traineeship with us is helping him achieve his career and life goals.
“I love Gippsland because the community is incredibly supportive and everyone looks out for each other,” he said.
“For young professionals, it’s really worth exploring the career flexibility and hands-on experience that smaller communities provide,” he said.
Southern Rural Water runs a biannual work experience program, providing students with hands on industry exposure and a pathway to future careers. We actively engage with secondary schools through career day events and information nights.
Click here to find out more about our work experience program or get in touch with our People and Culture team at peopleandculture@srw.com.au.