Mackay Regional Council in Queensland knows the importance of supporting its trainees and apprentices.
When Nicole Bourne was a Sarina State High School Year 12 student five years ago, she applied for a diesel fitter apprenticeship advertised on Mackay Regional Council’s website.
Now, the 22-year-old has a dual trade qualification and a permanent job with council.
“I did a lot of extra study and got a second qualification,’’ Ms Bourne said.
“I did my diesel fitter apprenticeship and then completed a second trade qualification as a heavy commercial vehicle mechanic.”
Ms Bourne now has a permanent serviceperson position at the Mirani depot, maintaining a range of vehicles and equipment.
Her dual qualification, completed in July, is a first for the Mackay Regional Council apprenticeship program.
Ms Bourne began her diesel fitter apprenticeship in the Mirani depot workshop in February, 2012, as part of council’s annual intake of apprentices and trainee.
“The people are really good to work with. They’re a great bunch of guys here,’’ she said.
Council also provided plenty of support and assistance for its apprentices and trainees, said Ms Bourne.
“I did pretty well with my first studies, so council was happy to assist with fees for the second one (trade qualification),’’ she said.
The Mackay Regional Council was recently named 2016 Large Employer of the Year for the central region at the Queensland Training Awards.
