Kriston

Regional Manager, Far North

Department for Industry and Skills

How did you get to where you are today?

After finishing year 12, I undertook a Certificate II in Business traineeship which involved working in a warehouse at Regency Park. I then gained a position with the Department for Education as an administration officer and mentored several Aboriginal trainees.

I came to the Department for Industry and Skills (formally Department of State Development) as a mentor with the Aboriginal Apprenticeship Program. I then gained a position which involved linking up with Aboriginal jobseekers and assisting them with finding employment, training programs or projects in Southern Adelaide.

I relocated to Port Augusta at the start of 2016 to continue this work until recently winning the Regional Manager position, looking after the Far North.

What does an average day look like?

My day consists of meetings or phone calls with industry, key stakeholders, service providers and jobseekers regarding training programs or projects and employment opportunities within the Far North.

I also look after the Aboriginal Apprenticeship Program for my region which involves signing up Aboriginal apprentices, trainees and school-based participants as well as providing a mentor service to increase completions.

What do you love about your job?

I love the positive impact our work has on jobseekers and the community. People grow in confidence, learn new things, meet different people and take steps towards employment.

What I also love about my job is the variety – each day presents something new which is motivating and good for my own learning and growing.

Why do you do what you do?

I do what I do to make a difference in the lives of the people in my region. Seeing people grow throughout training programs or projects is pleasing and has a positive impact on them, their family, and also our community. The little wins along the way keep me motivated to continue to try my best to help people from my community.

What do you see are some of the benefits of working in the public sector?

The benefits of working in the public sector include great working conditions, passionate people in the teams I work with, making a positive difference in the lives of the public and opportunities to learn and grow in the agency.

Why have you chosen to work in South Australia?

South Australia is my home state and I grew up in Port Augusta. South Australia is my home state and I grew up in Port Augusta. I lived and worked in Adelaide from 2007 until 2015 and have been lucky enough to relocate back home and keep the same job. The lifestyle here is great and Port Augusta is where I want my daughters to grow up.