Trystan takes next step to tertiary education

Woodcrest College Year 12 student Trystan Dale has no doubt about his future career path thanks to a year long traineeship he completed with the University of Southern Queensland's (USQ) Springfield campus.

The 17 year old undertook an external traineeship with the University's Division of Information and Communication Technology Services while completing his senior year, further cementing his interest in an Information Technology career.

He has now applied to undertake a Bachelor of Information Technology with USQ and is hoping to ultimately work in computer programming.

Trystan said while he had an idea he would work in IT in the future, the traineeship confirmed this really was the job for him.

'I started working with computers when I was quite young, probably 11 years old and really learned most things as I went along,' Trystan said.

'I have also taken IT subjects at school and working here at USQ one day a week has given me the chance to put everything I have learned to good use.'

While working at the University Trystan assisted staff and students with IT support, installed software, maintained printers, fixed hardware and maintained databases.

'I also got to help build a database for the Bachelor of Applied Media store, which was great.'

USQ Senior ICT Support Officer Paul Phengphong said it was a great experience to work with a young trainee such as Trystan.

'He has really been a great help here and has certainly developed a lot of skills since he started.

'Through the traineeship his confidence has grown and he has learned to work as a team member, taking on a lot of responsibility.

'I have really been able to just give him a task and leave him to do it.'

Trystan's father Lindsay Dale also studies at the University and is about to complete his third year of the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at the Springfield campus.

Media Contact:  Jo-Ann Sparrow, USQ Media, +61 7 3470 4119 or 0438 309 096