From trainee to full-time employee – meet Alexa!

At just 20 years old, Alexa Battye has secured a full-time position with council as a Resource Recovery Attendant.

Ms Battye began her journey with council in May 2022 as a trainee in waste management, whilst completing a Certificate III in Waste Management.

Before joining council, Ms Battye was employed at McDonalds Emerald as a Shift Manager, but realised she wanted something more challenging so she decided to take a leap of faith in applying for the traineeship.

‘My mum actually works at council in the Water Utilities department, so while she didn’t have any exact position in mind, [she] was ultimately the one who pushed me to expand my knowledge in a broader field than my previous employment,’ Ms Battye.

‘I eventually saw the waste management traineeship available, put my resume in, and the rest was history,’ she continued.

‘I could never have done it without my Mum!’

Since becoming a full-time employee, Alexa has noticed a lot of opportunities become available that she now has the skills to take initiative on.

Ms Battye further commented on what her role itself entails.

‘I’m grateful for all the new knowledge I’m picking up along the way!’ she said.

‘I can also travel to the different resource recovery sites by myself, which shows my growth in this position from a year ago,’ she continued.

Alexa has had many memorable and favourite moments since joining the waste team.

‘My favourite thing about working with council would have to be my co-workers. My job would not be as near as enjoyable or rewarding without them being by my side throughout this whole process.

‘They watched me grow from a shy, timid trainee to now operating machinery by myself,’ she said.

‘I will forever be thankful for council giving me this opportunity to spread my wings and find the perfect career pathway for me,’ Ms Battye continued.

Council’s apprentice and traineeship programs are a pathway into a large and diverse workforce. The programs are open to people from all backgrounds, providing opportunities for school leavers, people re-entering the workforce or adult workers wishing to change careers or gain new skills.

The intake for the 2024 program is expected to be finalised later in the year for trainee commencements in early 2024. Make sure to keep an eye out on our careers page here for more updates.