In March, President of the Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT), Councillor Lynn Mason, launched Council Careers. This information kit and website has been designed to promote careers and job opportunities in Local Government.
An initiative of LGAT and the first of its kind for Local Government, Council Careers is part of a broader strategy to address a shortage of skilled professionals. It is a web based resource containing detailed information on the structure of Local Government, the types of jobs available, career pathways, qualifications required and training opportunities.
LGAT believes it is the most comprehensive and informative kit of its kind in Australian Local Government.
“There is a nationwide shortage of skilled Local Government professionals, particularly in the fields of town planning, environmental health, engineering and building surveying and the problem is becoming critical in Tasmania,” Councillor Mason said. “Our island status, ageing population and decreasing number of entrants into the workforce are all impacting Local Government’s ability to attract and retain a suitably qualified workforce, and the problem is especially difficult for rural Councils.
“We know that young people entering the workforce are not aware of the range of career opportunities available in Local Government. Now, for the first time, Local Government in Tasmania has a resource to promote itself as an industry throughout the community, especially in schools, colleges and the University of Tasmania.
“It will also be useful for those seeking a change of career and for people already employed in Local Government who want to find out how they can upgrade their skills.”
In developing the kit, LGAT worked closely with other industry bodies, including the Planning Institute of Australia, the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia, the Australian Institute of Environmental Health, Local Government Managers Australia and the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors.
The information kit is available for downloading from the Council Careers website at www.councilcareers.tas.gov.au
For further information contact Dr Christine Standish, LGAT Policy Officer and coordinator of the project, on 0419 137 125.
