Council welcomes new trainees

It promises to be an exciting 12 months for Lockyer Valley Regional Council’s most recent recruits, with five new trainees joining the ranks this month.

The Business Administration Trainees, Dakota Argus-Oxley, Jessica Cole, Luke McIntosh, Layla Millard and Erin Hatcher, will take a deep dive into the world of local government, gaining vital experience to kick-start their careers.

Allocated to the Libraries and Galleries, Information Management, Tourism and Special Projects, Waste Services, and Business Support and Innovation teams respectively, the trainees are currently getting settled in and looking forward to what lies ahead.

Luke said it was a great opportunity to learn on the job while also gaining a Certificate III in Business Administration.

“I’ve always been interested in an admin position and lots of jobs require you to have experience, and this traineeship is a great gateway into being able to get that,” the Hatton Vale resident said.

“I also completed my Certificate II in Business at school and wanted to further my studies, which this allows me to do.”

When Dakota first saw the traineeships advertised, she said she was instantly intrigued.

“When I saw the positions available, the library one stood out to me because I love books and reading,” she said.

“I’ve obviously learnt a little bit about the Council over the years and wanted to get a bit closer to it to see how it all works.”

Although she’s only been on the job a few weeks, she’s thoroughly enjoying it.

“It’s amazing here, I love it,” she said. “I’ve learnt a lot already and there is a lot more to it than I expected.

“We will attain a Certificate, and this is something I’m very pleased about as it is another way I can show the time and effort I’ve put into what I’ve learned and accomplished, not only within Council but myself as a person overall.

“If I could go further with Council then I’d definitely take up the opportunity to do that,” she added.

Mayor Tanya Milligan said Council was proud to continue its tradition of helping young jobseekers get their foot in the door.

“These business traineeships provide a fantastic entry into the workforce, and I extend my thanks to the staff members who will help guide and mentor this cohort over the next 12 months,” she said.

“I also extend my appreciation to the Queensland Government which funds these positions.”

While subject to operational requirements, Mayor Milligan said many trainees had continued their careers with Council.

Over the years, we’ve had quite a few business trainees find more permanent roles across a myriad of departments, which demonstrates the power of this initiative,” she said.

“These annual business traineeships are not only open to recent school leavers either, with residents of all ages seeking a career change welcome to apply.”

In addition to the trainees, Council currently employs four apprentices: two apprentice mechanics, an apprentice boilermaker and an apprentice plumber.

The business traineeships are proudly funded by the Queensland Government through the First Start Program under the Skilling Queenslanders for Work Initiative.