Council’s Regional NSW-funded civil construction trainees (left to right): Alex Blacka, Zac Ferrara, Latesha Mullet-Hoskins, Mark Winters and Axel Bayliss
16 October 2023
Bega Valley Shire Council recently launched its Youth Investment Program, funded by Regional NSW, at an event attended by five new civil construction trainees, Councillors and Council staff.
“We are particularly pleased to be able to offer the two-year traineeships, which will provide these young people with Certificate 3 level qualifications in civil construction, building maintenance and plant operations and the pathway to a rewarding career in the construction industry,” Council CEO, Anthony McMahon said.
“During the year, we spent considerable time visiting local high schools, our Local Aboriginal Land Councils and other youth-focussed community groups to encourage young people to apply.
“This proved fruitful, with a large number of young people aged between 16- and 24-years submitting applications for the traineeships.
“The successful civil construction trainees are Latesha Mullet-Hoskins, Mark Winters, Zac Ferrara, Alex Blacka and Axel Bayliss.”
The Certificate III traineeships will be conducted in partnership with a registered training organisation and the trainees will work with and learn from former trainees who now hold senior Council positions.
Mr McMahon said learning the fundamentals of civil construction, including machinery operation, can lay strong foundations for many career paths, including design, drafting and engineering.
“At the conclusion of the program, any trainee unable to secure permanent employment with Council will be supported to find employment with local civil construction businesses,” Mr McMahon said.
“Council also has a number of trainees and apprentices working in its Water and Sewer and Works teams and will soon be advertising several cadet positions in engineering and planning, as part of its succession planning.
“We wish all trainees and apprentices the best and thank them for taking the opportunity to stay in the Bega Valley and work locally.”
