Bridie Searle - Trainee of the Year for the Central & Northern Sydney Region

Congratulations to Thales team member, Bridie Searle, who has taken out Trainee of the Year at the prestigious 2023 NSW Training Awards, Central & Northern Sydney Region.

The Awards are conducted annually by Training Services NSW within the NSW Department of Education, to recognise outstanding achievement in the vocational education and training sector. 

Bridie, based at Garden Island Defence Precinct in Sydney, is one of the many people forging a career with Thales; contributing to the delivery of sustainment and support capabilities to the Royal Australian Navy.

Growing up in the Hunter Valley NSW, Bridie applied for the two-year traineeship at Thales whilst still in year 11 and said

“with a traineeship, it’s a clean slate. You need to have common sense, computer literacy, good interpersonal skills, drive and motivation. I chose Project Management because the work you carry out in this type of role generates a complex and transferable skill set.”

With a hunger and motivation to learn, Bridie has excelled with her traineeship which saw her fast-track and complete her Certificate IV in Project Management Practice with the Australian College of Commerce and Management (ACCM) ahead of schedule. 

“Bridie’s determination and growth mindset have made her an inspiration to young people joining our Thales business. Her demonstrated passion, her performance and commitment to learning has made her a sought-after Project Superintendent with Thales.”

Max Kufner – VP Above Water Systems at Thales Australia  

Often going above and beyond in her role, she worked tirelessly in assisting Project Managers to complete maintenance activities on Navy vessels. 

Bridie will now move forward to represent Thales in the NSW State Awards.