“Providing job opportunities for young people in regional areas is a major issue for all communities,” said Councillor Barry Parker from Toowoomba City Council. Toowoomba is tackling this issue directly by providing funding of $305,000 to continue to employ 23 trainees and apprentices at Council.
He said that Council recognises the contribution young people can make to the development of the City. As major regional employers, Councils have the opportunity to make a difference to employment opportunities in their communities.
Benefits flow to the individual recipient, Council itself and the community as a whole. Trainees gain marketable skills, a solid work record and insight into Council operations. The diverse range of activities Councils undertake is reflected in the range of work trainees at Toowoomba undertake.
Apprentices are employed as mechanics, fitters and turners, electricians, plumbers carpenters and fabricators. Trainees are to be found in office administration, catering, horticulture and Council’s warehouse.
“It is not a work experience type of placement,” Councillor Parker said. “These young people have a real role to fulfil in the organisation and if, for any reason they are away, they are certainly missed.”
Following their traineeships, individuals involved have a good chance of finding work. Several have gone on to extended work with Council. In other cases, they are well equipped with skills needed by employers elsewhere.
For further information contact Noel Peters, Manager Personnel and Industrial Relations, telephone (07) 4688 4608.
