New apprentices and trainees hit the ground running
Gladstone Regional Council welcomed 16 enthusiastic apprentices and trainees for its 2023 intake at an induction ceremony held earlier this month at Boyne Tannum Community Centre.
Recruits will fill a variety of roles at locations across the region including Agnes Water, Benaraby, Calliope and Gladstone.
Gladstone Region Mayor Matt Burnett said it was exciting for Council to welcome the 2023 apprentice and trainee intake.
“It’s fantastic to see so many new faces join an organisation that is committed to delivering outstanding service to the community,” Councillor Burnett said.
One of Council’s new recruits, events trainee Emily Kirkwood, will be based at Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre.
Emily is no stranger to Council’s calendar of events, having previously volunteered her time at the inaugural Festival of Summer in January 2020.
Young artists show their Aussie pride
Budding young artists recently had the opportunity to show off their Aussie pride by entering the Celebrate Australia Primary School Art Competition.
Primary school students from Prep to Year 6 were encouraged to think about aspects of the Australian lifestyle important to them and to use this as inspiration for their artwork.
The themes of flora, fauna and food were evident across many of the 512 entries – the most entries the competition has received since its inception in 2006.
Students used everything from paint, pencil, crayon, felt pen, watercolour and collage to construct their masterpieces, which are now on display at Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum until 4 March 2023.
The winning artists were announced at Council’s Australia Day Family Fun Day with Aspen
Thetford’s *Trail Blazing* taking out first prize
“I got to see what goes on behind the scenes and that’s where I grew my interest,” Emily said.
“I love the Gladstone community and thought why not try and get a job with the council and help the community.”
For apprentice plumber Sam Lockwood, the profession runs in the family.
“My grandad was a plumber and I really admire what he did, so I wanted to take after him and see where that takes me,” Sam said.
“I’ve had work experience as a plumber when I was 14 doing plumbing with my grandad for a while.
“I really liked it and thought it was for me.”
Council’s 2023 apprentice and trainee intake has been assisted by the First Start Program under the Queensland Government’s Skilling Queensland for Work Initiative.
Visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/jobs-council to learn about more opportunities with Council.
