fine…by Nigel Dawe Applications now open for Council Apprenticeship Program

WHEN it comes to those I most want to be surrounded by, nothing compares to those who exude positivity, especially under the most trying of circumstances.

Give me Monty Python’s 1975 “It’s just a flesh wound” Black Knight on the bridge, over a more easily defeated naysayer any day.

One of the first books I ever read (and one that was actually given to me by my late grandfather) was the era defining classic, The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale. A book some might say is dated (being first released in 1952), and perhaps even cliched in places; but it is one that reminds every reader of the enormous value to having a positive outlook on life.

As Peale’s ever upward looking countryman Elbert Hubbard once said, “Positive anything is better than negative nothing.” And being able to see where the road to possibility and abundance lies, even under the darkest of skies, separates the doers from your standard problem imbuers, every time. Thus, having the right frame of mind is so consequential and instrumental to the life we lead, that nothing determines our fate more than how this plays out between our ears.

Relatedly, Peale himself noted in his Power of Positive Thinking, “Our happiness depends on the habit of mind we cultivate.” Going on to further say, “[For] the way to happiness: Keep your heart free from hate, your mind from worry. Live simply, expect little, give much. Scatter sunshine, forget self, think of others. Try this for a week and you will be surprised.” Try it for a lifetime, and you won’t just be surprised, you’ll be living the type of life that outright reflects and breathes positivity, without any strain at all.

What’s more, as Joseph Campbell, the American author and professor of literature once noted, “Nothing can happen to you that is not positive. Even though it looks and feels at the moment like a negative crisis, it is not. The crisis throws you back, and when you are required to exhibit strength, it comes.” Positivity is the ultimate lightning rod of the human condition. I remember reading survivors of the holocaust say: those that made it through, found something (beyond all hope) to live for, to be positive about - despite the surrounding evidence, that bleakly suggested otherwise.

So much of what we either enjoy or suffer in life though, has a tremendous amount to do with us being in the right or wrong spot, at that exact moment in time. Little wonder, that the word positive stems from the Latin ‘positivus’, which means ‘placed’, as in something laid down specifically, and with certainty.

But locale and situations alone never outright determine our fortunes, they merely provide the forum for us to be courageous in the face of all that we encounter, and what we in turn choose to do. Or as Joel Osteen once said, “You’re going to go through tough times - that’s life. But I say, ‘Nothing happens to you, it happens for you.’ See the positive in negative events.” qualifcations needed to start a rewarding career but they’ll also see why people working in local government stay!”

Council has partnered with Programmed Training Services, who specialise in the employment of apprentices and trainees, to deliver the program.

Several opportunities are on offer across various areas of Council, including apprenticeships in Electrical, Parks & Gardens or Fabrication & Welding and a Business Traineeship.

Council’s Manager People and Culture Aimee Austin said the Apprenticeship Program would help kick off successful careers in local government.

“This is an incredible program for motivated individuals to start a new career in a sector that is full of opportunity,” Ms Austin said.

“The successful applicants will not only gain the skills and

Ms Austin said a successful apprenticeship and traineeship program would also help Council prepare for future workforce needs.

“Council delivers more than 50 services to the Tweed community, which means there are many sub-industries within the local government sector, each with their own recruitment challenges such as skill shortages, ageing workforces, lack of diversity or evolving technology,” Ms Austin said.

“Hiring skilled recruits and fostering their career development ensures we have the capacity to deliver reliable services to the community and make the Tweed better tomorrow tha¬¬n it is today.”

The program involves competency-based, nationally accredited training (apprenticeship

4 years, traineeship 1-3 years), combined with on-the-job training, coaching, mentoring and support from Council staff.

Kick off your local government career with opportunities commencing January 2024 Keen to work for one of the Tweed’s largest employers? Applications are now open for Council’s Apprenticeship Program, commencing in January 2024.

Ms Austin said Council was encouraging people from all walks of life to apply.

“Whether you are a school leaver, matureage job hunter, or just looking for a career change, we want to hear from you,” she said. Council is seeking applicants with:

• competent numeracy and literacy skills

• a positive attitude and self-motivation

• current driver’s licence and reliable transport

• completed Year 10 education, or completed Year 12 education (Electrical Apprenticeship only)

• ideally completed a Cert II in Electrotechnology (Electrical Apprenticeship only)

• OH&S construction card (white card) or willingness to obtain one prior to commencement

• a commitment to complete the apprenticeship, including requirements to attend TAFE

• demonstrated capacity to work safely and as a team member.

The positions can be directed to work anywhere within the Tweed Shire, however, the roles are currently based in Tweed Heads, Chinderah, Bogangar and Murwillumbah.

Programmed Training Services is the employer for these apprenticeships and traineeship. Tweed Shire Council is the host organisation only and will not be managing the applications, enquiries or recruitment of these positions.

For all enquiries, contact Programmed on 1300 440 784.

For more information and to submit an application visit Apprenticeships for 2024.

Applications close at 2 pm on Monday 6 November 2023