Tablelands Regional Council (TRC) has filled seven new traineeships and one new apprenticeship position.

“We are committed to finding ways to provide skill development, training and career opportunities in the community,” said Deputy Mayor Kevin Cardew.

These positions were made possible by funding from the Queensland Government’s First Start Program.

“We received over 250 applications and were able to narrow the list down to about 50 passionate and enthusiastic candidates.

‘After a rigorous selection process, we found our final eight and have welcomed Keifhar Rosas (Apprentice Plumber), Aidan Herbert (Horticulture Trainee), Rebekah Sellwood (Horticulture Trainee), Nick Cifuentes (Civil Maintenance Trainee), Jack Simmonds (Civil Maintenance Trainee), Derani Zealand (Business Trainee for Libraries), Karlia Wicks (Business Trainee for Community Services and Tourism) and Heloise Fouche (Business Trainee for Finance and Systems and Information) to our workplace,’ said Deputy Mayor Cardew.

Karlia wants to achieve and complete a Certificate III in Business Administration.

‘I am trying to get as much personal and professional development as I can.

‘I hope to get the experience and confidence going forward with my career,’ said Karlia.

Rebekah has found the traineeship challenging and rewarding and is loving every minute of it.

‘It’s an opportunity that I didn’t want to pass up and hopefully there’s a fulltime job at the end of it either in the field I’m in now or another field,’ Rebekah said.

“The trainees have all hit the ground running and we are enjoying contributing to their growth and professional development.

‘Hopefully they will end up being equipped with the skills and experience needed to pursue their chosen careers,” said Deputy Mayor Kevin Cardew.

This training is proudly funded by the Queensland Government through its First Start program under the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.