Youth Spotlight: Izzy Wood

Monday, 15 June 2026

At just the beginning of her career journey, Izzy is already proving that resilience and self-belief can take you far.

Fresh out of Year 12, Izzy found herself in a position many young people can relate to, unsure of what direction to take. Rather than standing still, she made a proactive choice. She enrolled herself in a Certificate III in Business Administration, recognising it as a broad, flexible pathway that could open doors and help shape her future.

That decision marked the start of something much bigger.

Not long after commencing her course, Izzy took another bold step, applying for a traineeship. Her initiative paid off. She secured a 12-month traineeship with Wodonga TAFE, stepping into a full-time role while continuing her studies.

Balancing full-time work with study is no small feat, but Izzy has embraced the challenge. She attends structured classes once a fortnight and dedicates additional time each week to her coursework, all while gaining valuable, hands-on experience in the workplace.

But her commitment doesn’t stop there.

Izzy is also working a second, casual job and living independently juggling responsibilities that would overwhelm many. Yet, instead of stepping back, she continues to lean in, demonstrating a level of determination and discipline well beyond her years.

Central to Izzy’s journey is her strong belief in growth and connection. She credits the people around her as one of the best parts of her experience, building meaningful relationships with colleagues and peers who support and inspire her along the way.

Her drive to grow is also what led her to join Wodonga TAFE’s Youth Ambassador Program. Seeking to challenge herself, build leadership skills, and stand out, Izzy actively pursued the opportunity, another example of her willingness to step outside her comfort zone in pursuit of personal development.

Outside of work and study, Izzy makes time for the things she loves. Whether it’s getting lost in a good romance novel or riding motorbikes, a passion she discovered with the help of her dad, she finds balance in pursuing her interests and maintaining her sense of self.

Looking ahead, Izzy is keeping her options open. She understands that careers aren’t always linear, and she’s embracing the opportunities that come her way through her traineeship and beyond. With aspirations to one day relocate closer to her sister in Newcastle, Izzy’s future is full of possibility.

What sets Izzy apart is not just what she’s doing, but how she’s doing it.

She’s choosing growth over uncertainty.
She’s backing herself, even without all the answers.
And she’s building a career, step by step, through hard work, curiosity, and resilience.

Izzy is not just preparing for her future; she’s actively creating it.