Apprenticeship and traineeships

An apprenticeship is a structured training arrangement usually of three and a half or four years duration.

The training combines practical experience at work with complementary off-the-job training with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Apprenticeships can be either full-time or school-based.

Council provides apprentices with the skills, training and experience to graduate as a qualified tradesperson. Not only with specific trade competencies, but as well-rounded employees capable of succeeding in their chosen industry.

Upon completion of the program, apprentices will have the opportunity to apply for roles within Council and other organisations in their chosen career pathway.

Council provides excellent additional training to complement an apprentice’s technical ability.

Training includes areas such as leadership, communication, negotiation, resilience, career management, mental health and wellbeing.

Types of apprenticeships

Council employs a diverse range of trade apprentices across the region and within various industries, including but not limited to:

• Construction: Civil
• Automotive: fitters and turners, diesel fitters and mechanics
• Trades: electricians, plumbers, carpenters, painters and decorators

Benefits to apprentices

• Competitive salaries including penalty rates (where applicable)
• Four-day week or nine-day fortnight working arrangements (dependent on role)
• Uniforms and personal protective equipment (PPE)
• 100 per cent of training costs paid for by Council
• Ongoing training and career development opportunities
• Access to all benefits offered to Council employees
• Obtain a nationally recognised qualification
• Experienced supervisors to coach, mentor, and assist you to be successful
• Supportive work environment

Traineeships can be full-time or school-based

Council provides trainees with the skills, training and experience to kickstart their chosen career.

Upon completion of the program, trainees will have a nationally recognised qualification and the opportunity to apply for roles within Council and other organisations in their chosen career pathway.

Types of full-time, part-time or school-based traineeships offered:

• Business
• Human resources
• Animal care
• Horticulture
• Water and wastewater
• Library and information services

Benefits to trainees

• Competitive salaries
• 100 per cent of training costs paid for by Council
• Ongoing training and career development opportunities
• Access to all benefits offered to Council employees
• Obtain a nationally recognised qualification
• Uniforms, PPE and tools (if applicable) supplied
• Experienced supervisors to coach, mentor, and assist you to be successful
• Supportive work environment

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships combine schooling with part-time on-the-job training and formal study to achieve a nationally recognised qualification.

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships are employment-based training arrangements intended for students in years 10, 11, or 12. They are typically 18 months to two years in duration.

As a school-based apprentice or trainee, you must:

• be paid for the work you do
• work at least 7.5 hours a week, averaged over every three months, for every 12 months of your training contract
• work at least 375 hours/50 days (or 600 hours/80 days in the electrotechnology industry) for every 12 months of your training contract.

Specific requirements

There are specific requirements for SATs that apply to:

• age limits
• paid work and minimum hours
• parental consent
• school support and timetables.

All apprentices and trainees must be:

• 18 years and over
• an Australian or New Zealand citizen or hold a permanent residency visa or temporary residency visa
• Not hold a qualification that is equal to or higher than the qualification in the same field as your apprenticeship or traineeship

Some apprentice and trainee positions offered by Council are made available with the assistance of funding by the Queensland Government through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program.

These positions are subject to further eligibility requirements. Applicants from the following groups are encouraged to apply:

• Young people (Aged 15-24 years)
• People with disability
• Long-term unemployed job seekers
• Displaced workers
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• Women re-entering the workforce
• Mature-age job seekers (45 years and older)
• Veterans and ex-service personnel
• Migrants and refugees from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Council will recruit for apprentice and trainee positions when business and operational needs arise.  All positions will be advertised on Council’s website and Facebook page.

The selection process may involve:

• Written application submission
• Interviews
• Reference checks
• Pre-employment checks (including drug and alcohol testing and a criminal history check)

For enquiries, contact our People and Capability team by email capability@isaac.qld.gov.au

Check back here around September – October each year for the Apprentice and Trainee intake.