Council Encourages Apprenticeship Applications

Published on 22 February 2021

Colac Otway Shire Council’s apprenticeship opportunities, through Victorian Group Training, are about to take an exciting step in a new direction into Civil Construction.

Victorian Group Training is advertising two apprenticeships in Civil Construction with the Council, one based at Colac and one at Gellibrand, with applications open now.

Mayor Cr Kate Hanson said apprenticeships and traineeships provided important options for young people which would allow them to enter their chosen career without leaving the shire.

“Being able to train young people in a wide variety of areas also benefits Council and community, as there are often opportunities when they have completed apprenticeships to apply for ongoing positions which become available with Council or they are skilled to take on jobs with other local employers.

“The more young people who can be skilled here in Colac Otway, without having to go to larger regional cities or Melbourne, the stronger our community will be – it just makes Colac Otway even more appealing for families to raise their children here.

“Council is fortunate to work with Colac-based Government Training Organisation Vic Group Training to offer traineeships and apprenticeships in a wide variety of career paths from administration and community service areas, to horticulture, mechanics and now civil construction.”

Council’s Services and Operations Manager Cameron Duthie said the apprenticeship program was fantastic for all involved.

“Services and Operations currently have a school-based apprentice, Jackson Learey, and a full-time apprentice Jensen Wilson, who are both supervised by a team that includes James Watts, who has now completed his heavy vehicle apprenticeship with the Council.

“Council has also had five apprentices in the Parks and Gardens area over the past 15 years, along with full-time and part-time traineeships in other areas of Council operations.”

“I encourage anyone with an interest in a career in civil construction to contact the team at Vic Group Training and find out how to apply.”