Bundaberg Regional Council is proud to have a total of 41 trainees and apprentices currently part of the workforce.
In addition, Council also supports a group of nine from Impact Community Services, who, under the Skilling Queenslanders for Works (SQW) program, are completing a six-month program assisting Council in land management activities.
The program offers the team opportunity to undertake hands on training in land conservation and gain experience in the work force.
During this time the team will complete a Certificate 1 in Conservation and Land Management as part of the traineeship.
Part of their training includes manual weed removal in sensitive coastal and natural areas, tree planting and maintenance and larger projects which have included the Baldwin Swamp Environmental Reserve.
Trainees help Council get on with the job
Natural Areas Officer Sally Obst said having the trainees support her department was highly beneficial as it assisted with undertaking a range of on-ground activities that require extensive labour.
“There are many projects that we wouldn’t be able to do without them for example hand removal of weeds in environmentally sensitive areas along our coastline,” she said.
“The program also provides a great opportunity for the trainees to experience and appreciate our natural environment while developing their skills in land management.
“We are currently also working with the Gidarjil trainee program who are undertaking land management activities in Russo Nature Reserve.”
Trainee Al Street said the experience had been great for him.
“It’s opened my eyes to many aspects of what it’s like to work in the conservation field,” he said.
“I’ve learnt to identify weeds and plants that are native or widespread in particular zones.
For Connor Swain-Edwards the traineeship has given him the opportunity to advance his future career goals.
“I love working in the outdoors and I am getting the chance to learn how to plant out natural areas, treat and manage weeds.
“What I’m learning has shown me that there is a serious need for conservation efforts throughout many regions of Australia.
“I’m also learning about perseverance, motivation towards a common goal and how to work as a team.”
