Townsville City Council will give graduates the tools to advance their careers as applications open for its 2023 Graduate Program.
Council is providing 12 graduate opportunities for either recent graduates or final year university students to kick start their professional career in disciplines including engineering, environmental health, information technology, human resources and finance.
The two-year program allows graduates to work closely with and be mentored by industry experts, participate in professional development, network with other graduates and work on city-building projects to benefit the Townsville community.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said Council was a leading employer in the region and was always looking for ways to create jobs and build capacity in the community.
“Townsville is home to two major universities and is a leading centre of education, training and research,” Cr Hill said.
“This program is about attracting and retaining some of the best university graduates to help Council continue to grow Townsville.
“Council’s graduate program is about creating more opportunities to work in North Queensland and to upskill our community.
“Townsville’s economy is being impacted by skills shortages across several sectors and this another way Council is working to minimise those shortages, grow the local economy and grow Townsville.
“Each of these graduates will be working in a field where there is a skills gap in Townsville and helping Council continue delivering for residents.
“There is also the potential for permanent job opportunities for the graduates after the program.”
Council Business Services and Governance Committee chairperson Margie Ryder said each successful graduate would be given the tools needed to succeed and advance their chosen careers.
“Through the professional development program, they will learn how to communicate, become better leaders and gain valuable project management skills,” Cr Ryder said.
“They will also work closely with industry experts both in and outside of Council and lean on their wealth of knowledge while developing their on-the-job critical thinking.
“I strongly encourage anyone who has recently graduated university or is in university to learn more about Council’s graduate program and apply.”
