Rockhampton Regional Council has successfully received funding for 20 trainee positions and 7 apprenticeships thanks to the Queensland Government’s First Start program.
Part of Skilling Queenslanders for Work, the First Start program provides young people and disadvantaged job seekers with opportunities to gain a nationally recognised qualification and paid employment.
Rockhampton Regional Council CEO Evan Pardon said the funding is a real win for the local community.
“We are proud to be part of such an important program and are equally as proud that 2023 will be our largest intake of trainees and apprentices yet,” Mr Pardon said.
“Since 2016, we have employed 99 apprentices and trainees with these new positions bringing that number to 126.
“This means more opportunities for more local jobseekers to explore a range of job opportunities at Council.
“Traineeships and apprenticeships are a rewarding pathway, providing members of the community the opportunity to learn and grow their skills in a Local Government environment.”
The Queensland Government Statistician’s Office December 2021 SQW Survey Report found 91.4% of First Start participants were employed after completing their traineeships.
“With roles in administration, construction, electrical, and more, there are plenty of career opportunities for the community to get a first start in a career at Council,” Mr Pardon said.
“We often see a number of these qualifications lead to permanent roles with Council for our apprentices and trainees.
“We are extremely appreciative to the Queensland Government for the funding and allowing us to provide these opportunities to our community.”
Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said 63 local councils will benefit from the Palaszczuk Government First Start program, including 11 Indigenous councils.
“More than $7.1 million will fund 365 traineeships and 110 apprenticeships at local councils across Queensland,” Minister Farmer said.
“Of these jobs, 74 per cent are in regional and remote Queensland and all 110 apprenticeships places have been allocated to regional and remote Queensland councils – an important and deliberate strategy to prioritise jobs in our regional communities.”
Skilling Queenslanders for Work funds skills development, training and job opportunities for unemployed, disengaged or disadvantaged Queenslanders through a suite of targeted skills and training programs.
Seventy-six per cent of participants find work or take on further training around 12 months after exiting a Skilling Queenslanders for Work program.
