Daija Smedley’s name was first off the rank at the 2025 AGA Graduation ceremony last Friday, and for good reason – she had just been awarded the prestigious Best in Business, IT & Finance award.

But Daija’s success wasn’t overnight; it was the culmination of her hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Having completed her 12-month traineeship with AGA three months ahead of schedule, Daija had already demonstrated her capabilities, earning a Certificate III in Business while working full-time at Bendigo Bank.

Daija’s initial interest in the 8traineeship stemmed from her desire to gain a qualification whilst working full-time, “I just liked the idea of doing a work-based traineeship, like on the job. A business traineeship seemed most interesting to me,” she said.

This approach not only helped her discover a new career path in banking but also equipped her with valuable skills in communication, customer service, and leadership. One of her highlights was meeting new people and discovering a new career, “I probably would have never thought to go work in a bank it wasn’t for AGA’s  business traineeship.”

She emphasised the importance of support from AGA, “You could get lots of support if you needed it. If I got stuck with anything, they’re always available for if you want to call,” she said.

Daija’s experience wasn’t limited to her professional growth; she also made a positive impact in her community. She participated in local Auskick events, contributing to the community through sausage sizzles. Daija also began mentoring new staff members, applying the skills she had learned and further solidifying her confidence in her new career.

Her advice to others considering a similar path was clear: “I would just highly recommend doing the traineeship because I think it’s worth it. You can discover a career that you might enjoy, and just make time to do the work because I know a lot of people that don’t finish it, but it’s definitely worth it and getting the certificate and then being able to get a job from there.”

After completing her traineeship three months early, Daija transitioned into a full-time role at NAB, demonstrating the potential for career advancement through the AGA traineeship program. As Daija looks to the future, she is focused on continuing to learn and grow in her role.