Published: 5 September 2022

Leaving school to start a career is a significant life milestone, however, finding the right career isn’t always so easy.

It’s exciting to know, the Eurobodalla Shire Council is helping youth explore different work areas and get a feel for new skills.

Council’s Youth Employment Training Scheme (YETS) has had a freshen up for 2023 and applications are open now. There are four YETS traineeships available as well as 10 other traineeship and apprentice opportunities at Council. Visit the jobs at council homepage.

Instead of completing a traineeship in one business area, YETS trainees will rotate through four work areas, gaining exposure to different careers as well as completing a Certificate IV in Business.

Council’s learning and development officer Kate Brierley said the two-year traineeship can “confirm or spark an interest in a future career”.

“It’s a career sampler and door opener for school leavers who might feel uncertain of what career path to take,” Ms Brierley said.

The four areas trainees experience include: Customer Service, Infrastructure Support, Development Services, Procurement and Stores.

“Trainees will rotate every six months through four different areas while receiving a competitive pay rate and TAFE studies paid for,” Ms Brierley said.

Ms Brierley encouraged youth to attend one of the information sessions on 12 and 21 September for tips and tricks on how to apply.

“It will be a great opportunity to ask questions and meet other trainees to hear about their journey so far,” she said.

One Council trainee keen to share his journey was John Lalor, 16. He was loving his business administration traineeship with the infrastructure team.

“I liked going to school to see my mates, but wasn’t interested in much else, so thought it would be better to get a head start in a career,” John said.

“It’s great working in a team that’s so supportive and flexible.”

John wasn’t sure what career path to take and said the traineeship has helped him discover new opportunities.

“I am really enjoying infrastructure services – it’s massive and it’s great to get a feel of everything,” he said.

“Once I began, I could see opportunities shooting out the roof.”

John encouraged others to have a go and apply.

“I told my mates to apply, because it’s that good living at home with no expenses while earning money, gaining a certificate and great experiences,” he said.

“I am happy to share my tips on the application process which can feel intimidating.”

Eurobodalla Shire residents under the age of 21 interested in YETS opportunities are invited to a tour of Council’s administration building on Wednesday 14 September from 12.30 – 2.30pm.

Information sessions on how to apply will also be held on Monday, 12 September, 5.30 - 6.30pm online and Wednesday 21 September, 4 – 5pm at the Job Shop.

To attend, contact Council’s employment officer Ashley Darby on 4474 1297.

Trainee and apprentice applications close on 28 September 2022.

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