Demand for traineeships and apprenticeships with Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) in 2010 will be strong if interest in a recent information evening is any indication.

Approximately 150 potential trainees and apprentices, their parents and recruitment company representatives attended the council information evening.

Corporate Services portfolio leader Cr John McVeigh said he was thrilled with the level of interest shown in council careers.

“There are some inspiring stories of former trainees who have progressed through council to more senior permanent positions.

“These apprentices and trainees will join more than 1500 council staff in a great range of careers which cover everything from horticulture to drafting, information technology to plumbing.

“But a traineeship is not just a job. There are opportunities for personal growth through our Project 500 program which covers life skills for use beyond the traineeship.”

Cr McVeigh, as a father of triplets about to complete Year 12, said he could empathise with parents concerned about job prospects for their children.

“In relation to more mature trainees who are adopting a new career, I took the same path 10 months ago when I joined council. I am still serving my apprenticeship as well.”

Cr McVeigh said being a large organisation, Toowoomba Regional Council often had permanent jobs available that trainees or apprentices could apply for toward the end of their training.

Council will receive funding for eight school-based trainees under the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative and 32 fulltime trainees or apprentices under the
First Start program.

A significant change in 2009/10 is an increased focus on environment-related or ‘green’ training qualifications consistent with the Queensland Government’s Green Army initiative.

Council will be calling for traineeship and apprenticeship applications from mid-November with applications closing December 11.