KICK START YOUR CAREER WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT
KICK START YOUR CAREER WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT
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KICK START YOUR CAREER WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT
ABOUT US Western Downs Regional Council employs over 700 people and provides essential services across an area over 38,000 square kilometres (an area the equivalent size of Switzerland). We also have aged care facilities, Home and Community Care (HACC), rural transaction centres, libraries, saleyards, swimming pools, visitor information centres and QGAP agencies. Approximately half of Western Downs Regional Council’s employees are in the field.
GENERAL CONDITIONS We are Local People delivering Real Results for Our Communities and Our Future Local People – YOU | Delivering Real Results – YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS
OUR MISSION — We are part of the community we serve, working together to provide valued leadership and services to our diverse region.
OUR VISION — An innovative team — connected locally, united regionally. OUR VALUES — As staff of Western Downs Regional Council our behaviour
Salary and conditions of employment will be in accordance with the provision of the Queensland Local Government Officers’ Award 1998 or Local Government Employees’ (Excluding Brisbane City Council) Award - State 2003 and Council’s current Certified Agreements at the advertised level.
A probationary period of three months applies from the date you commence with Council. This period is successfully completed based on satisfactory performance.
BENEFITS Employee benefits include (as applicable to the relevant awards and certified agreements): • • • • • • • • • • • •
9 day fortnight or a 19 day month 9% or 12% superannuation Career development and training opportunities Equal Employment Opportunity Payroll deductions for a number of payments Rates can be paid in instalments if you are a property owner in WDRC Relocation assistance Generous salary sacrifice Remote area housing benefits Flexible work options / work life balance Free car parking Employee Assistance Program
Great working conditions apply which include sick leave, nine day fortnight, annual leave loading, and a generous superannuation.
reflects our values:
HOW TO APPLY All vacant positions are advertised on Council’s website www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/careers with council, local newspapers and at times regional newspapers, www.seek.com.au and www.mycareer.com.au.
OUR VALUES moving us forward bB
Council has an online application and recruitment process which can be accessed through www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/careers with council/view current vacancies. This is a simple, step-by-step process and you need to read and complete the information on each page that appears on the screen.
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BECOME AN APPRENTICE TO LAUNCH YOUR CAREER If you’re thinking of becoming a ‘tradie’ such as a vehicle mechanic, plumber, or diesel fitter, then an apprenticeship is a great way to work while you gain your trade qualification. Who can apply? Anyone can apply, apprenticeships are equally sought by people aged 18 to 25 or those in their 40s. How long is an apprenticeship? They usually range from three to four years. What qualification do I finish with? The training is done through TAFE, so you’ll finish with either a Certificate III or Certificate IV in your chosen field.
Do I have to pay for my course fees? No. These are paid for by Council. Will I be employed permanently at Council when I finish? There is no guaranteed employment with Council when you finish your apprenticeship. What’s the benefit of doing an apprenticeship rather than full-time study at TAFE? By working while studying during an apprenticeship, you’ll get to put the theory from the classroom into practice the next day at work. You’ll also gain a broader understanding of general workplace behaviours that will stand you in good stead when you begin applying for fulltime, permanent roles after your apprenticeship.
PROFILE Daniel Chapman started his mechanic apprenticeship with Council in mid-2012 because, after growing up on the farm near Kingaroy, he wanted to learn how machinery works. “The best thing about doing an apprenticeship is getting work experience while training. By being in the workshop, I’ve been able to pick up tips and tricks that I just wouldn’t get in the classroom. “Also, at Council I get to work on a wide range of machines from lawnmowers to dozers.”
Daniel is also thoroughly enjoying the lifestyle of working with Council. “Working with Council is great, the hours are good and you have the weekend to yourself, which you wouldn’t get if you were doing shift work. The nine day fortnight is a bonus too. “I’m really enjoying working with the team at Council, so I’m planning on applying for a job with Council when I’m finished my apprenticeship. “I highly recommend doing an apprenticeship to get qualified and doing your apprenticeship with Council.”
Daniel Chapman, 2nd year Apprentice
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Phil Berting, Chief Executive Officer
A BURSARY HELPS YOU GET ON WITH FULL-TIME STUDY A bursary will support your full-time university study by providing funds to help with expenses like course fees and materials. You also have the option of vacation work with Council that aligns with the qualification you’re working towards.
Do I get on-the-job experience? You have the option to work at Council during your semester breaks in the team that suits the course you’re doing. This is a great way to get some industry experience while studying full-time.
What is a bursary? Council provides $500 per semester, up to $2,000 over the term of your course, to help cover course-related expenses.
Will I be employed with Council when I finish? No. A bursary helps with your course fees only.
Who can apply? Those intending to undertake full-time university study, who have successfully completed Year 12 within the previous 12 months, and are residents of the Western Downs Regional Council area.
PROFILE Jason Cook grew up with a father in engineering, so he knew engineering could offer a great variety of career choices at the end. He’s now in his second year of full-time study in a Bachelor of Civil Engineering at QUT in Brisbane and he successfully applied for a bursary at the start of this year. “The bursary has quite a lot of great benefits. We are given $1,000 per year for things such as text books and to give us a bit of a head start commencing university again each semester. “ Jason is also enjoying being able to work at Council during his holidays.
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Jason Cook, Bursary Student
“The main benefit of having a bursary is that we’re given vacation work/experience over university breaks, which is a huge benefit to gain a greater understanding of what the real world will entail. “Other benefits from working at Council during my degree include: having the opportunity to work with many people with diverse experience and knowledge, good working conditions, and having access to up-to-date technology and training. The wages and superannuation benefits are also great. “I would definitely recommend bursaries; it’s hard to say no to the endless benefits!”
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KICK START YOUR CAREER BY BECOMING A CADET If you’re thinking of becoming a technical professional like an engineer, a cadetship is a terrific way to gain work experience while you train, with the extra bonus of having a guaranteed job when you finish. Who can apply? If you’ve recently completed Year 12 or the first year of university you can apply and gain work experience whilst studying parttime for an appropriate tertiary qualification in the relevant field. How long is a cadetship? Depending on which course you do, they usually last three to four years. What qualification do I finish with? A cadetship suits those planning on undertaking an Associate Degree level.
Shalika Low, 2nd year Cadet
Sam Robertson, 3rd year Cadet -Left Luke Porter, 3rd year Cadet -Centre
Shalika Low began her cadetship in January last year as a way to gain real world experience while studying. “The biggest benefit from being a cadet is working full-time while studying and finishing your course debt-free. I get to learn the theory in the classroom one day and apply it in the real world the next, while also being able to learn from people with greater industry knowledge and experience. “By working at Council I also have exposure to a wide variety of tasks, from going into the field with inspectors, to design work, to learning legislative requirements, to managing upgrade and renewal applications for residents, to sourcing contractors, to helping Department
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Do I have to pay for my course fees? By being a cadet, your course fees are completely covered by Council. Will I be employed permanently at Council when I finish? Yes. What’s the benefit of doing a cadetship rather than full-time study at university? You gain on-the-job experience through full-time work while you complete part-time study, culminating in a guaranteed job at Council when you finish your cadetship.
PROFILE of Main Roads and Transport with road works schedules.” Whilst Shalika might have initially chosen to work for Council for personal reasons, the excellent conditions made the decision a slam dunk. “I’m a Dalby girl, born and bred, so by working with Council I get to stay in Dalby close to family. Council is a great place to work with great conditions. I get a full-time salary with paid holidays and superannuation, compared with casual job conditions, and a nine day fortnight with standard hours compared with shift work at a private company.”
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REINFORCE YOUR DEGREE WITH WORK EXPERIENCE Being employed as a graduate is a superb way to get some real-world experience after completing full-time study. Who can apply? Those who have graduated with at least a bachelor degree from university. How long is the graduate program? Depending on which section you work with, between one and two years, full-time contract.
Will I be employed permanently at Council when I finish? There is no guaranteed employment with Council when you finish your graduate program. What’s the benefit of being a graduate at Council? It’s a great way to start your professional career by getting exposure to the fulltime work environment while getting experience to back-up your degree.
PROFILE Stacey Wallis finished four years full-time study on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane with a Bachelor of Public Health (Environmental Health) and a Master of Environment. She chose the graduate program as an alternative to being thrown in the deep end with a permanent job straight out of university. “By working as a graduate in the Environmental Health section at Council, I get broad exposure to the different areas of the industry, such as natural resources, waste and environmental health. It’s a fantastic way to start my career as it will help identify which stream I want to pursue longer-term.
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Stacey Wallis, Former Graduate
“The added benefits of working for a regional council rather than an urban-based one is the variety of work, you get to do something different every day, while also getting exposure to such issues as the resource sector. “I also get to start building my professional network before moving into a permanent position and local government is a huge supporter of sharing knowledge between councils. “There are also great working conditions at Council, with flexible hours, nine day fortnights and a full-time salary a great way to transition from full-time study into the fulltime workforce.”
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Gavin Bartowski, Traineeship Graduate who is now Assistant Water Sewerage Treatment Plant Operator
GIVE YOUR CAREER A HEAD START WITH A TRAINEESHIP There are a range of office based jobs that traineeships can help you with while you study. Council currently has, or has had, trainees in business, civil construction, information technology, and waste management. Who can apply? Anyone can apply, traineeships are equally sought by people aged 18 to 25 or those in their 40s. How long is a traineeship? Twelve months full-time work with part-time study. What qualification do I finish with? The training is done through a registered training provider so you’ll finish with either a Certificate II or Certificate III in your chosen field.
Do I have to pay for my course fees? No. These are paid for by Council. Will I be employed permanently at Council when I finish? There is no guaranteed employment with Council when you finish your traineeship. What’s the benefit of doing a traineeship rather than full-time study at TAFE? By working while studying during a traineeship, you’ll get to put the theory from the classroom into practice the next day at work. You’ll also gain a broader understanding of general workplace behaviours that will help make you an attractive candidate when applying for full-time permanent roles after your traineeship.
PROFILE Mitch Peeler began his traineeship in March this year and is working towards a Certificate II in Information Media and Technology. He saw a traineeship with Council’s Information Technology team as a good way to confirm that his passion for computing translated into the workplace.
Billie Standfield, Current Waste Management Trainee
Mitch Peeler, Current Information Technology Trainee
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“The traineeship has helped me clear my mind about pursuing information technology as a career. I’m really enjoying getting experience and knowledge that I can apply directly from the textbook.
“The brilliant thing about working for Council is that it’s a big organisation, so it has the facilities and assets to help give me a good education. I enjoy being able to communicate with fellow workers on a variety of problems to help solve the issue. It’s never dull. “Also, working for Council means that I don’t have to move to the city, I can stay close to family and friends while I start my professional career.”
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Where do I Get Qualifications
Where Can It Lead?
Finance / Accountant
Degree - Bachelor Business/ Commerce/Accounting
University
Financial Planning Coordinator Revenue Coordinator Finance Manager
Information Technology Officer
Certificate/Diploma/Degree in Technology
TAFE University
IT Manager IT Coordinator
Development Engineer
Bachelor Engineering
University
Engineering General Manager Works Manager Technical Services Manager
Planning Officer
Degree Town Planning
University
Senior Planning Officer Development Assessment Coordinator, Planning Manager
Environmental Health Officer
Degree/Bachelor Environmental Health
University
Environmental Health Coordinator, Environmental & Health Manager
Trade Qualification
TAFE Apprenticeship
Workshop Supervisor, Fleet & Workshop Coordinator
Bachelor Business / Arts Major Community
University
Community Development Coordinator, Community Development Manager
Certificate IV Business Administration
TAFE
Executive Assistant
Certificate in Record Management (not essential)
TAFE
Information Systems Manager Information Systems Coordinator
Labourer
Certificate III Civil Construction
TAFE (or on-the-Job)
Ganger, Supervisor
Plumber
Trade Qualification
TAFE Apprenticeship
Plumber Drainer Gasfitter Utilities Network Supervisor Plumbing Inspector
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Recommended Qualifications
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Year 12
1 year
-
Diesel Fitter
Community Development Officer
Office or field based
Administration Officer
Traineeship
Aged Care Health Services Asset Management Business - Accounting Civil Engineering Environmental Health Human Resources Information Technology Planning • • • • • • • •
1-2 years bachelor degree or above
Completed Any selected fields, such as:
What Opportunities Are Available?
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-
9 9 9 9 3-4 years Year 12
Graduate
Business Civil Engineering Finance Health and Environment Human Resources Town Planning • • • • • •
Technical Professional
9 vacation work
Optional 2 years ($500 per semester up to $2,000)
previous 12 months and intending to undertake university study
Year 12 within Any selected fields, such as: Bursary
Cadetship
Contribution towards fees
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9 9 9 3-4 years Year 12 Tradesperson Apprenticeship
Job with Council
upon completion covered
Course fees Full-time
study study
Part-time Full-time
work work
Part-time
Length Prerequisite Type of Industry
Pathway
COMPARE THE DIFFERENT TRAINING PATHWAYS 12
SOME OF THE POPULAR CAREER PATHS AT WESTERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL
Information Systems Officer
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We’re part of the community we serve.
1300 COUNCIL (1300 268 624) www.wdrc.qld.gov.au