Blog

The strength of Stars Foundation is best reflected in the personal stories of the young women it supports, and Teija’s story is an inspiration.

Stars Foundation Alumna, Teija, has taken a bold and inspiring path since graduating from Cecil Andrews College in Perth in 2022.

Teija’s journey reflects just how much can be achieved with determination and the willingness to try something new, and with good support in place.

During Year 12, Teija wasted no time setting herself up for success by fast-tracking a Business Traineeship with ANZ. Upon graduating, she was offered a role at ANZ and began her career in banking.

Exploring new work opportunities

Following a year working with ANZ, Teija felt ready for a new challenge and started exploring different career options. She came across Flying Emus, a pre-employment program designed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people looking to enter the Mining and Resources industry.

Having completed a series of online training modules through Civeo Australia, which is a global workforce accommodation specialist, Teija was sent to the Eliwana mine site, 90km outside of Tom Price, which is a mining town in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

Teija accepted the challenge to take on roles in mine site cleaning and retail. While on site, Teija heard about the Vocational Training and Employment Centre (VTEC) through word of mouth and decided to give it a go. The VTEC program involved an intensive 5-week training process: two weeks of city-based modules, two weeks of TAFE training, and a week onsite. Teija successfully graduated from the program in April.

Teija’s commitment and strong work ethic has paid off as she was offered a role as a Dump Truck Operator with Fortescue at the Christmas Creek mine site, which is 61 kilometres from Nullagine.

Three months into her role with Fortescue, Teija is thriving. She is truly loving the experience, meeting new people every day, and embracing the challenges and rewards of her evolving career.

Seizing Opportunities and Leading with Strength and Pride

Teija’s story is a powerful example of how career paths can evolve in unexpected and exciting ways and how the right support and opportunities can lead to life-changing experiences.

While program data clearly demonstrates the positive outcomes of Stars, it is the achievements, determination and pride of each Stars Alumna that truly capture the impact of the Stars program.

Stars ongoing support for Alumnae

Teija’s story is reflective of the strength and ambition of more than 1,000 Stars Alumnae who stay connected and supported through the Stars Alumnae digital app.

The Stars app is a space dedicated to Stars Alumnae where they can connect with one another, learn about each other’s stories and also be alerted to work and study opportunities..

Every Stars program is supported by a Transitions Mentor, who focuses on education and employment opportunities and pathways for students. During the senior school years, Stars Transitions Mentors work closely with the school, families, preferred universities, and local employers across Australia to help a young student make her aspirations a reality.  The Transitions team are committed to working with Stars graduates for two years after school when the students become Stars Alumnae.