Kinetic IT is celebrating the nomination of Darwin-based crew member, Iesha Couzens, in the 2023 GTNT Group Awards.
18-year-old Iesha is currently completing a Certificate III in Business with Charles Darwin University. While employed with Kinetic IT, Iesha is supported by GTNT Group for all traineeship needs and resources.
Iesha, a proud Munupi woman from Milikapiti in the Tiwi Islands and with connections to Aotearoa-New Zealand tribe Ngāpuhi, is a finalist in the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Apprentice/Trainee of the Year category in the GTNT Group Awards.
GTNT Group is a key player in bringing young Territorians into the workforce through a variety of career pathways, with the awards recognising the achievements of apprentices and trainees in the region. Kinetic IT has partnered with GTNT Group for over 5 years, with many Kinetic IT crew entering full-time permanent employment at the conclusion of their traineeships.
Iesha’s traineeship journey started through an interest in engineering, with the traineeship at Kinetic IT giving her an overview of ICT operations at the very start of her career.
Iesha, who joined Kinetic IT in June 2022 as an Administration Assistant, is known for bringing a vibrant energy through her natural abilities to empathise, provide encouragement and bring optimism into the workplace. She looks after reception duties at the Kinetic IT Darwin office, and provides administrative support to crew, managers and customers.
The GTNT Group Awards nomination came as a shock to Iesha.
“I was very surprised! I am happy to be considered and recognised by GTNT Group. I love the Kinetic IT workplace and position I am in, it’s been a pleasure being here. I’ve been supported with being able to train and work at the same time, and I am proud that I have accomplished new learning and skills that I will take with me anywhere.”
Kinetic IT’s Northern Territory Director, Customer Development and Delivery, Karina Bourne said the crew is proud of Iesha’s achievement.
“It’s been a pleasure to support Iesha through her journey, and I love that we have opportunities to grow local talent not only in ICT but business in general. Iesha is a great ambassador for Kinetic IT and enjoys talking to students.
“Kinetic IT currently has work experience, traineeship and graduate opportunities. Reach out, and start your career.”
Iesha said the traineeship had so far provided a variety of experiences that had grown her as a person and a professional.
“My experience has grown my confidence, providing me with strong customer service and communication skills.
“My studies at Charles Darwin University have also provided me with practical skills to support me in my role. I wanted to improve my skills and didn’t have a specific industry in mind, but GTNT helped and placed me in the ICT industry. Through my role, I meet a lot of people and have formed good relationships, I have improved my skills and knowledge over time.”
Often flying solo in her role, Iesha engages with the Darwin crew daily to ensure they have what they need, and proactively asks managers if they need assistance.
“Where I am organising events, attending meetings or working in a team, I really like when everyone brings their ideas to the table and is supported to have their say.”
Iesha is using her experience to encourage students in Darwin to consider a career in ICT, including taking a role as an ambassador for Kinetic IT at events. Using Kinetic IT’s Career Wheel, Iesha chats to students about discussing different pathways available at Kinetic IT and the wider ICT industry, as well as sharing her own experiences.
“It made me get out of my comfort zone to build a connection with others but it also helped me increase my self-confidence and made me feel a sense of belonging within Kinetic IT. It felt good showing students all the opportunities and pathways Kinetic IT has and being able to interact and relate to their goals.”
Iesha thanked her family, friends, her teammates and her Charles Darwin University lecturers Dion Daniell and Felicity Ledek for supporting her in her traineeship and award nomination.
Kinetic IT is sponsoring the Supervisor of the Year category in the 2023 GTNT Group Awards, with the following three finalists announced:
- Lien Bui, Northern Territory Government Department of Corporate & Digital Development
- Luke Harvey, Bridge Toyota
- Tom Loveridge, TL Metalworks.
Karina paid tribute to this year’s Supervisor of the Year finalists.
“The calibre of finalists in this year’s awards speak to the amazing talent we have here in the NT. On behalf of Kinetic IT, we’re proud to recognise the community’s work to connect more Territorians with apprentice and traineeship opportunities.”
About the GTNT Group Awards
Held annually, the GTNT Group Awards recognise and celebrate trainees and apprentices across the Northern Territory. This year, GTNT Group said it received 60 nominations across 11 categories, setting a new record.
The GTNT Group Awards will be held 26 May 2023 at Mindil Beach Casino Resort.
Tickets to attend the ceremony are now available. Visit the GTNT Group website and Facebook for details.
Find out more about current work experience, traineeship and graduate opportunities on Kinetic IT’s careers website.
