As one of the largest employers in its region, Alexandrina Council recognises the importance of employing and training local youth – and the benefits flow two ways.
As well as Work For the Dole, Green Army, Undergraduate work placements and school work experience, the South Australian council hosts a number of trainees and apprentices.
Council offers a diverse range of career opportunities and currently has trainees in Recreation Services (parks and gardens), Library, Construction and Maintenance, Business Administration and an apprentice carpenter in the building maintenance area.
In 2015, Alexandrina Council was successful in receiving two rounds of the Regional Youth Traineeship Program (RYTP) via the State Government’s Jobs Accelerator Fund.
The funding is aimed at local youth aged 17 to 24 and provides Council with financial support towards the employment cost for a two-year period. Alexandrina Council, along with training providers Maxima and Arts Ready are very proud to be part of this innovative initiative that provides qualifications and work experience.
Although just recently out of school, young people bring a valuable skill set to Council’s workforce with their knowledge of IT that can be shared with more mature employees who can then in turn transfer their skills, knowledge and experience to these young people who are keen to pursue a career in local government.
This two-way knowledge transfer increases the overall skills and competencies of Council’s workforce. Alexandrina Council is working closely with regional schools, TAFE and South Australian universities to create strategic partnerships and linkages for young people to transition to employment opportunities.
Ashleigh Darrie is one of Council’s newest trainees employed via RYTP, commencing with Council in January after completing Year 12 at Investigator College in 2015. She is undertaking a Certificate III in Business Administration and working across all areas of the Council.
Ashleigh’s comments about her experience with Alexandrina Council exemplify her enthusiastic and committed attitude.
“I am very privileged to have received an internal traineeship of this extent,” she said.
“Not only am I gaining vital qualifications that contribute to my career as an adult, I am experiencing what local government is really like with the Alexandrina Council.
“Learning about council and all the different departments that lie within has really opened my eyes to how important local government is to the community.
“I look forwards to all the learning I still have to do throughout my two-year traineeship.”
Alexandrina Council would like to congratulate its young trainees and thank them for their contribution to the workforce.
