First Year Business Trainee Yasmin Phipps-Ledger

13 September 2021

Western Downs Regional Council is on the hunt for enthusiastic locals to ‘kickstart their career’ with a traineeship or apprenticeship in the region. 

Applications for Council’s popular trainee and apprentice program open today, Monday 13 September, and will offer 24 positions across the region, commencing February 2022. 

Council Spokesperson for Finance, Corporate Services and Business Strategy Councillor Ian Rasmussen said the positions offered the perfect opportunity to dive into the workforce and gain skills and experience across a variety of areas.  

“Council’s trainee and apprentice program is hugely popular, offering an opportunity for successful applicants to gain valuable skills and hands-on experience that can lead to a fulfilling career in the region,” Cr Rasmussen said.  

“Our team is skilled and values-driven and taking part in a traineeship or apprenticeship with Council supports our goal to make a real difference in the community we serve.  

“Across the workforce these days, employers are looking for people who have on the job experience and that’s exactly what our positions offer – making it the perfect opportunity for first time job seekers. 

“There are variety of positions on offer, spanning from business and IT roles, through to plumbing, parks and open spaces, rural services, diesel mechanics, and opportunities for those who identify as having a disability.   

“We’re committed to ensuring we can provide as many local jobs for our people as possible and these positions are great as they support jobs for the immediate needs of the region and build a workforce for the future.” 

First year Business Trainee Yasmyn Phipps-Ledger said the Program had opened up several career opportunities and provided a flexible and dynamic workplace.   

“I have really enjoyed my traineeship so far and have already built skills across multiple departments including the Customer Contact Centre, Records, and Planning & Building/Plumbing,” Miss Phipps-Ledger said.   

“I love working for Council because you get a taste of all kinds of careers in a really supportive and flexible environment, which is really important when you have a young family. I was also fortunate enough to have received organisation-wide recognition for my efforts this year, which has given me newfound confidence in my role.  

“It’s fantastic to be growing professionally, and I hope my traineeship leads to full time employment with WDRC.” 

Council’s apprenticeships and traineeships include the following positions, with applications closing COB, Monday 4 October 2021. 

6 x Business Trainees – Chinchilla, Dalby, Miles and Tara  1 x Information Digital Media and Technology Trainee – Dalby 
1 x Rural Services Trainee – Dalby  4 x Civil Construction Trainees – Chinchilla, Dalby, Miles, Tara and Wandoan  2 x Water Operations (Networks) Trainees – Chinchilla and Dalby  2 x Parks and Open Spaces Apprentices – Chinchilla and Tara  2 x Plumber Apprentices – Dalby and Jandowae 
2 x Diesel Fitter Apprentices – Miles and Dalby  2 x KickStart Disability Trainees – Regional  2 x School Based Trainees – Regional 

To find out more about Council’s trainee and apprentice program or to apply for the 2022 intake, click here or contact Council on 1300 COUNCIL (1300 268 624) for more information.