nib breaks down employment barriers with new Hunter traineeships

Hunter-based private health insurer, nib, has launched a traineeship program offering employment opportunities for young locals who often face barriers entering the workforce.

The nib traineeship program has recently enrolled its first five trainees, providing full-time employment and training for 12 months alongside the completion of a nationally recognised qualification of their choice. nib has partnered with the Hunter Valley Training Company to rollout the traineeship program.

nib's CEO, Mark Fitzgibbon, says the traineeship program reflects the health insurer's commitment to creating positive employment opportunities for those of diverse backgrounds in the Hunter.

"We understand that people with a disability or health condition can sometimes find it difficult to find employment and in regional areas like the Hunter it can be even harder, particularly for young people. This program will not only provide an employment opportunity, but also valuable on the job training and experience that will help their future careers," Mr Fitzgibbon said.

"Today nib has more than 1,350 employees working in six different countries and almost 50% of our workforce is now based outside of the Hunter Region. It's exciting to imagine where our trainees may choose to take their career with nib in the future," he added.

Trainees are selected from a range of backgrounds including people with no formal qualifications, the long-term unemployed, people with disabilities, disadvantaged youth, in addition to candidates from a range of cultural backgrounds.

Merewether's Nicola Hawes, 22, is completing her Business Administration Certificate with our People & Culture team and said she was drawn to the
traineeship program because of the 'on the job' learning and support it provided.

"For people like me who have a disability or health condition, we learn differently and having 'hands on' experience is a great pathway for me to be able to build my confidence while learning new skills that will help my career," Ms Hawes said.

"The traineeship gives me the support I need to learn, that I wouldn’t be able to receive through traditional higher education. I ask thousands of questions and everyone is really helpful and takes the time to teach me," she said.