Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) has taken a top honour after being awarded Skillset’s 2020 Large Host of the Year, in recognition for the work done by Council in hosting apprentices and trainees.
“Council is extremely proud to receive this award and proud to be a host to these men and women as they qualify in their chosen trades,” said DRC’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael McMahon. “Our apprentices and trainees can be found in a number of our business areas working in a number of professional areas, such as: horticulture (parks and gardens, and sports turf management), early childhood education and care, automotive, and civil construction.”
DRC currently hosts 19 apprentices and trainees across a number of business areas within Council.
In addition to 2020 Large Host of the Year award, Wellington-based DRC apprentice, Eli Cox, has also been announced as the Skillset 2020 School Based Apprentice. The 18 year old year 12 student, who manages his apprenticeship in conjunction with his schooling studies, was announced as the recipient of the award during a small — COVIDSafe — award ceremony in Dubbo on Wednesday (16 September 2020).
“I congratulate Eli on this terrific achievement,” said Mr McMahon. “It’s testament to not only the Skillset program, but a real acknowledgement that one of our apprentices really has put the work and effort into successfully balancing his secondary studies with the demands of undertaking an apprenticeship.”
DRC has a longstanding track record hosting apprentices and trainees, many of whom have gone on to gain employment in their chosen fields all around NSW and Australia. Council is always delighted to hear about the success stories of those who undertook their apprenticeships and traineeships with DRC, and is even more delighted if those individuals gain fulltime employment with Council.
One recent Skillset graduate, Izaiah Richards, applied for a full-time position with DRC’s Fleet and Depot Services. After successfully going through the merit based process, Izaiah won the position with the qualified mechanic now working at DRC’s Hawthorn Street Depot.
“Council’s nationally play a significant role in the training and development of young people and those undertaking training in the trades,” said Mr McMahon. “It’s always rewarding to see trainees and apprentices who’ve come through Council do well; even more pleasing if they gain fulltime employment with us here at DRC at the successful completion of their training.”
“I congratulate Dubbo Regional Council for their continuing commitment to invest in the young people of the Dubbo region. DRC is playing a major role in keeping skills local, and their ongoing support is definitely helping to develop the skills that will be needed now and into the future to keep our regional economies growing,” said Skillset’s Chief Executive Officer, Craig Randazzo. “The wide range of vocational pathways available at Council provide a powerhouse of learning opportunities for Skillset apprentices. DRC, working in partnership with Skillset and TAFE, has proven to be a highly successful model in terms of safety, skills-development and high completion rates that lead to rewarding trade careers.”
Skillset offers a range of services including recruitment, apprenticeship and traineeship services, skills development and mentoring programs as well as alternative senior school education pathways.
Skillset is committed to generating employment opportunities through education and skills development for people across regional NSW.
Source: DRC