After a successful pilot program developed in the Wimmera, Skillinvest, the state government and the police force rolled out a school-based traineeship program for Indigenous students across the state.

Tania, who attends Dimboola Memorial Secondary College, is the first student to complete the program at Horsham Police Station.

The program exposes students to an office-based environment in a police station over two years.

Dimboola Memorial Secondary College principal Anne Gawith presented Tania with the opportunity to complete the traineeship when she was 16. 

Tania said she had loved the police force since she was six, and was so excited with the traineeship opportunity that she said yes on the spot.

She started Certificate Three in Business Administration in February 2017, working at the police station one day a week while completing her secondary schooling.

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Her final day at the station came this month, where she and her colleagues enjoyed morning tea to celebrate her achievements.

Tania has now also completed year 12.

She thanked Horsham Police Station staff for their support over the past two years, and Skillinvest business trainer Chris Gray for her encouragement during the training.

“I never thought I’d be able to get to an area like this,” Tania said.

“With the help of my teachers and my friends and family, I can do this.

“It sets me a standard of what I want to be.”

More than 40 Indigenous Victorian students have worked in police stations through the school-based traineeship program. Seven students have graduated.

Skillinvest is seeking applications for a new trainee to start work at Horsham Police Station next year.

Organisers said interested Indigenous students could find out more and apply at skillinvest.com.au/jobs/business-traineeship-victoria-police.