Council celebrates Queensland Training Awards titles

Western Downs Regional Council’s career development initiatives have earnt the organisation Large Employer of the Year at last week’s Queensland Training Awards Regional Finals, where Council employee Mitchell Pogan also took home the coveted Bob Marshman Trainee of the Year.

The prestigious Queensland Training Awards celebrates individuals and organisations that strive for and achieve success in best practice and innovation in vocational education and training.

Trainee of the Year Mitchell Pogan said he was honoured to receive this award and have his efforts recognised at this level.

“It was my work as a trainee that helped shape the employee I am today and it is an honour to have that hard work and dedication acknowledged by receiving this award,” Mr Pogan said.

“My traineeship kickstarted my career and has given me a solid foundation that I can use and expand on to help me within my job.

“It is an honour working for a Council who supports the development and growth of their employees, and I would definitely encourage young people within our region to apply for a Council Traineeship.”

Council Spokesperson for Finance, Corporate Services and Business Strategy Councillor Ian Rasmussen said it was fantastic to see one of their own celebrated and recognised for their achievements through Council’s Early Career Development Program.

“Our Council prides itself on delivering dynamic and engaging career development pathways. It is a true credit to the organisation to receive the Large Employer of the Year and have one of our former trainees also go on to take out an award themselves,” Cr Rasmussen said.

“As a trainee, Mitchell showed true dedication to delivering high quality work while remaining committed to his studies, and we’re incredibly proud of his achievement in obtaining the prestigious Trainee of the Year title.

“Mitchell is now a full-time employee of Council, and we look forward to seeing him continue to develop and succeed in his career as he takes on his latest venture as Community Activation Officer.”

Mayor Paul McVeigh said it was truly rewarding to see Council’s commitment to the growth of young people across the Western Downs recognised through this awards program.

“Council currently employs 25 trainees and apprentices under our annual Early Career Development Program, all of whom play a vital role in delivering for our region. It is truly fantastic to see a past participant of this program recognised for his efforts and go on to achieve great things,” Cr McVeigh said.

“We are incredibly proud of this Council program and Mitchell’s achievements, and also extend our congratulations to the other finalists from the Western Downs, especially Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year, Kasey Hardy from Harness Energy Services and Equity VET Student of the Year, Tatum Kite from the Chinchilla Community Centre.

“I wish Mitchell, Council’s Organisational Development team, and our other Western Downs representatives the best of luck as they move on to State Finals to be held in Brisbane on 4 September.”

For more information contact Council on 1300 COUNCIL (1300 268 624) or visit www.wdrc.qld.gov.au

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Media Contact:

Western Downs Regional Council Media Office                                                07 4679 4265