Plenty of opportunity in the Western Downs

16 October 2018

There is plenty of opportunity for school leavers to explore career options in their own backyard.

Western Downs Regional Council employee Naomi Monk knows firsthand the pathways which have opened because of an opportunity in the region.

Naomi is originally from Wandoan but completed high school in Chinchilla.

She finished school in 2013 and said her first thought was to leave the Western Downs and go to university.

“I went to USQ in Toowoomba when I finished school, but after a year I decide I wanted a different experience before committing to university,” she said.

This led Naomi to successfully apply for a traineeship with Council in Dalby, which began in 2015.

She said the traineeship gave her the chance to explore career options.

“The traineeship was great because it was local, and I was able to get real-world experience,” she said.

“During the traineeship I found out that I like where I worked and what I was doing.

“This opportunity then led to a job at Council.”

Naomi is working in the Chinchilla office of the Council and said it has been a great decision.

The opportunity presented to her in the region has not only established her in the workforce but has allowed her to pursue other endeavours.

“My employment at Council has allowed me to pursue university part time, so I can fully explore my career options,” she said.

Naomi said she hoped school students who participate in the Ignite Your Future program take plenty of confidence in the opportunities which are available in the Western Downs.

“There are plenty of opportunities for young people in the Chinchilla region,” she said.

“You do not have to go to any of the bigger cities to start your professional careers.

“Many businesses in our region across a number of industries are wanting to bring in young and enthusiastic staff members.”

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Media Contact: Michael Doyle | Media Relations Senior Officer | 0419 048 594