Townsville City Council will be hiring 30 new apprentices and trainees who are ready to commence their careers early next year.
Council has successfully secured Queensland Government funding for 30 First Start Positions under the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program.
Council has engaged more than 100 trainees and apprentices this year – an unprecedented number compared to previous years.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said it was fantastic to be able to provide these job opportunities to the community.
"Council has demonstrated we are committed to improving front-line services and creating jobs for locals and we want to continue that into 2019," Cr Hill said.
"It's also crucial Council walks the talk when it comes to providing opportunities to young job seekers given the city's high youth unemployment rate.
"This is fantastic news for the community and we will be looking to fill a variety of positions with all of the apprenticeships listed on the National Skills Shortage List."
The funding was awarded to Council after the success of previous apprentice and trainee programs.
Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman said Skilling Queenslanders for Work provides fantastic opportunities for people across the state.
"This program gives people who have struggled to find a job, the opportunity to gain the skills and training they need to find work and build a successful career," Ms Fentiman said.
"Since the First Start program re-commenced in 2015 we have invested more than $17 million to provide training and employment opportunities for 1,300 trainees in Queensland."
"Improving job prospects for Queenslanders will boost the local economy and help businesses to grow."
Council CEO Adele Young said Council's Transformation has allowed Council to invest in a record number of apprentices and trainees.
"These new apprenticeships and traineeships are beneficial for the entire community – we are dedicated to training the next generation of workforce," Ms Young said.
"When I started implementing Council's Transformation plan there were just eight apprentices and now we have over 100 apprentices and trainees – securing the skills we need for our city's future workforce."
Applications are now open and will close 2 December, 2018.
