Council Extends Trainee Program

October 19, 2007: Six employment opportunities will open for young people in the Bega Valley shire over the next two years with Council approving an extension of its successful trainee program.

Jane-Lee Bobbin and Deputy Mayor Janette Neilson

Deputy Mayor Janette Neilson said the program was vital in providing young people with opportunities to stay in the shire as well as being an effective succession program for the organisation.

“The positions will become available in the works department meaning the trainees will have an instant impact across our community,” Cr Neilson said.

“This program has been running since 2002 and we have seen some 15 trainees given the opportunity to work with the organisation, with six appointed to fulltime positions.

“All trainees have mixed in well with existing staff and are helping to change our culture in a positive way.

“It is also very pleasing to see that Council has taken a leading role in appointing females to non-traditional roles and the way in which they have succeeded. They have shown exceptional skills in many areas especially in the operation of plant and machinery.”

One of those females, Jane-Lee Bobbin has embraced the opportunity of her traineeship.
Working with the construction crew, it has allowed her to gain valuable experience in a range of heavy machinery including Council’s excavator, dozer and loader.

“There are a lot of opportunities,” Jane-Lee said.

“Council is pretty keen to allow trainees to gain their tickets in a range of areas.”

The 22-year-old from Bemboka said working with the construction crew was enjoyable and a great learning experience.

“It is fun – I really like the outdoors and the training I am getting will give me opportunities into the future.”

During the next 18 months it is anticipated that up to six employees within the works section will retire. The traineeships offer the opportunity for young people to gain skills across a number of areas providing the ground work for longer term employment opportunities.

There are significant benefits associated with this strategy including:

• Provision of local youth employment opportunities which addresses some of the concerns raised by the community during the Management Plan consultation.
• The opportunity to instil a culture more consistent with the principles of learning and career development.
• Employment through a group training company provides strong mentoring and motivational elements.
• The traineeship period provides Council with the opportunity to identify strengths of the trainees and to place them where their aptitudes can be most effective.