TAFE NSW is working with councils across the state to train administrative staff, upskilling their knowledge of business practices and helping to deliver important services and facilities to local communities.

At Temora Shire Council, trainees Jake Schulz and Karis Reardon are working in different areas of the council, learning important skills on the job, and gaining formal qualifications through their studies at TAFE NSW.

Jake, 19, is studying a Certificate III in Business Administration while working in a customer service role with council’s Pinnacle Community Services team, helping to streamline hands-on services to care for the aged. 

“It’s very fulfilling because I’m working closely as a frontline contact person with the elderly and helping them can make their day,” he said.

“The traineeship is a perfect way to gain knowledge on the job and through TAFE NSW, and I’ve learned so much – both in skills for work and life.”

Karis, also 19, is working with the council’s customer service team and says her traineeship is a great blend of learning practical and academic skills while being paid to work in her home town.

“I’m getting great experience in customer service, balanced with other administrative skills and getting Certificate III qualifications with TAFE NSW will help with lots of opportunities in the future,” she said.

TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Business Services, Daphne Tyndall said the traineeship program was an example of how vocational education helps communities, employers and workers.

“By working with councils, we’re helping to meet those important skills needs in local government and at the same time, ensuring participants can get the formal qualifications needed to progress their careers while they’re earning and learning on the job,” she said.

“Council has always offered annual traineeships which includes supporting our trainees with paid time they need to attend class and complete assessments,” said General Manager Ms Melissa Boxall.

“We’ve found it a successful way to retain staff both in Council and locally, in an environment where we often lose our young people to regional and bigger cities for further studies and career opportunities. We also notice that they are more likely to return to our Shire with further qualifications if they’ve started their career here, we have a number of returnee staff.”

“We’d recommend any business taking a similar approach and are happy to guide them through the process,” concluded Ms Boxall.

Karis and Jake, who are both using their traineeships to earn money in a gap year before attending university, have thanked the council and TAFE NSW for the opportunity to earn and learn, saying the skills they’re learning now will help set them up for exciting careers.

Media contact: Melanie Pope, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, MediaRelease@tafensw.edu.au, 02 7920 5000.