Hume CHIA Cadet graduates with mentor by her side

Hume’s first cadet from the Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA) NSW Cadetship Program Kiara graduated with flying colours this week in an inspiring event at NSW Parliament House, with Hume mentor Daniella Nguyen by her side.

Michael Wheatley, Head of Housing Portfolio from Homes NSW, presided over today’s ceremony and presented certificates to graduates and their mentors.

According to CHIA NSW, the Cadetship Program offers people who have traditionally experienced barriers to accessing work and study the opportunity to gain a Certificate IV in Housing while engaging in a 12-month paid work placement with a community housing provider.

For Kiara, the program has offered a wide variety of learning opportunities about the community housing and service sector, which she has always had an interest in.  The CHIA Cadetship has now opened these doors for her. 

“During the program, I worked in multiple teams at Hume and have learned what is needed to deliver high-quality customer service,” she said.

“I had always had an interest in the community service sector, so when I read about the CHIA NSW Cadetship Program on social media and what it had to offer within the housing sector, I really wanted to take that on and see if I had the potential to work within the community.”

Kiara was offered a permanent position with Hume on the completion of her cadetship. She is a valued member of our Customer Service team and is thriving in the role. As for future ambitions, Kiara has clear goals for herself.

“I want to do well and life and love learning. One day I would like to work with children in the community services sector. I want to acknowledge everyone at Hume who welcomed me so genuinely and warmly that I felt part of the team immediately. I love seeing how help change customers’ lives,” Kiara said.

Her mentor Daniella, part of Hume's People and Culture team, agrees with Hume's sentiments.

“Kiara is a real asset to the organisation and has been a joy to mentor, she is hard-working and dedicated. Kiara quickly understands and connects with people and can support them in a way that is genuine and respectful. I am looking forward to seeing where this first stepping stone takes her and predict Kiara will go on to enjoy a very successful career!” Daniella said.

As part of the Cadetship program, each organisation must have a mentor in the workplace, which Daniella has embraced. As a mentor, she has provided Kiara with workplace support and self-care, whilst acting as liaison between Hume and the CHIA NSW Cadetship Team. Mentors also support the wider organisation to learn more about the cadetship role.

This is the last year the Cadetship program is to be funded by the NSW Government and we urge government to reinvest in this brilliant initiative program. With demand for housing never more acute, we need more young cadets like Kiara to enter the sector.