Council celebrates Class of 2019

CEO Evan Pardon and Acting Mayor Cherie Rutherford with the 2019 RRC trainees and apprentices

Individuals who have completed Rockhampton Regional Council’s Apprentice and Traineeship program were celebrated today at a special graduation ceremony in City Hall.

Fifteen people finished the program this year, securing qualifications in Business Administration, Civil Construction, and Workplace Health and Safety.

Rockhampton Regional Council CEO Evan Pardon said some of those graduating today had been working towards this for three years.

“Everyone graduating today should be incredibly proud of themselves and their achievements,” Mr Pardon said.

“These traineeships are not easy and in some cases last as long as three years.

“They are nationally recognised qualifications and will open lots of doors.”

Mr Pardon said Rockhampton Regional Council was particularly grateful to the First Start Funding program.

“The First Start Funding program, which is proudly funded by the Queensland Government through its Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative, has been supporting Council’s Apprentice and Traineeship program since 2016.

“In that time the program has supported almost 50 individuals – around half of our overall intake – to do their training at Rockhampton Regional Council.

Recruitment for the next Apprentice and Traineeship program for 2020 is well underway, and Mr Pardon said it is a fantastic opportunity for local residents to explore different types of work, secure a nationally recognised qualification, and have access to excellent mentoring to kick start their career.

“We have several employees who started off as a trainee or apprentice and have continued to work and grow their careers with Council.

“Towards the end of September 2020 we will be recruiting the next cohort for the Apprentice and Traineeship program in 2021 so keep your eyes peeled!”

Shania Evans, who joined Council as a Safety Trainee, said the program allowed her to gain experience in a range of activities conducted across the organisation.

“Having had the ability to be hands on with my learning provided me with the opportunity to advance in my Safety career by obtaining a full time position as the Safety Support Officer,” Ms Evans said.

“My role as the Safety Support Officer has already provided me with the opportunity to act as a Safety Advisor which has allowed me to further develop and apply the skills and knowledge learnt during my traineeship and expand on the relationships built with people across Council.”

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