In an effort to encourage more young people to think about Local Government as a career pathway, Warrnambool City Council has introduced a range of ‘gap’ year traineeships. The traineeships provide young people who have recently completed Year 12 with the opportunity to learn as they earn.
Taking a full time role with Council, the trainees gain valuable work experience and complete a nationally recognised qualification before heading off to university the following year.
By deferring their studies for a year and earning some income, some students are then eligible to access ‘Living Away from Home’ allowance when they start their university course.
During 2008, Warrnambool City Council recruited trainees in the following departments:
- Human Resources
- Planning
- Revenue
- Information Technology
- Visitor Information Centre.
Warrnambool’s Organisation Development Manager, Julie Winzar, said that in 2009 Council planned to expand the program to offer traineeships in Engineering, Community Development, Childcare and in Recreation Centres.
“Through the program we hope to give young people some idea about the broad range of careers and dynamic job roles with Local Government,” Julie Winzar said. “Some of our trainees will continue to work with Warrnambool City Council during their summer holidays and do other project work while completing their university studies.”
Warrnambool City Council trainee Marisha O’Flaherty said the traineeship would help her decide what to study at university next year.
“I have been accepted into commerce at uni, but I am not sure if that is what I want to do, so working here might help me decide,” she said.
Marisha said she was keen to work for a year rather than go straight from school to university.
The trainees all undertake a TAFE course as part of their training, so they maintain the habit of studying.
All trainees recommended the program.
For further information contact Julie Winzar on (03) 5559 4800.
