Employers Keen to Support Opportunities for Local Youth

Published on 02 November 2021

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Local youth employment opportunities were the topic of conversation when employers from across the region came together as part of the Succeed in the Snowy Valleys program.

Snowy Valleys Council partnered with Training Services NSW to host two successful information sessions targeted at employers in the region, promoting and supporting employment and career opportunities for local youth.

Council’s Executive Director Community and Corporate Paul Holton said Council itself supports youth employment and is currently seeking new traineeship positions in Work Health and Safety, Financial Services, and Business Administration as well as a vacancy for an Apprentice Mechanic.

“Apprentices and trainees bring new approaches and new ways of thinking to our organisation which helps promote innovation and access to the latest training and knowledge,” said Mr Holton.

“We were very pleased with the attendance at both the information sessions and feedback was that the knowledge provided about available work experience and school-based apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities was beneficial to all,” Mr Holton said.

Presenters at the sessions included Training Services NSW, the not-for-profit oraganisation COMPACT, and local high school representatives.

Stacey Suidgeest, Senior Project Officer for the Training Services NSW spoke about their Regional Industry Education Partnership Program (RIEP) and how it can help to build partnerships between businesses and local schools.

COMPACT CEO Megan Mulrooney also spoke to both groups, explaining how the not-for-profit could connect Snowy Valleys’ business and industry with local young people via hosted industry tours and site visits.

Tumbarumba High School Principal Michael Blenkins, Batlow Technology School Principal Michelle Wainwright and Tumut High School Careers Advisor Jo Stroud shared how certain courses and initiatives are being received by students.

During the sessions, attendees were provided opportunities to express an interest in receiving more information about school-based apprenticeships and traineeships as well as information about upskilling and training programs available to staff.

Council will continue to partner with Training Services NSW in running the Succeed in the Snowy Valleys program and the next installment will be a Careers Expo to be held in Term 1, 2022.

The Careers Expo is designed to connect local business, industry, school leaders and the community to provide information regarding youth employment opportunities, careers available through school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, and employment options after high school. 

Businesses who would like to express an interest in being involved with the Expo or would like more information about the Succeed in the Snowy Valleys Program are invited to email Council’s Economic Development Officer, Kayley Dickinson at [email protected].

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