Ryde local Eddie Tsang is proving why so many NSW businesses benefit from employing a trainee or apprentice, after becoming a hit in his part-time traineeship role at City of Ryde Council.

New South Wales has the highest number of apprentices and trainees in Australia, which reached 86,510 in September 20191. With the NSW Government recently committing to paying the course cost for 70,000 new traineeships, businesses are using the opportunity to equip employees with customised skill sets from the ground up. 

Traineeships combine on-the-job training with formal study to give students the skills and experience employers are looking for. Generally taking around 1-2 years to complete, trainees earn a salary while they learn.

A representative from City of Ryde Council said Eddie had won over staff with his positive attitude and brilliant work ethic and was an asset to have on the team. 

“Since commencing his Traineeship at City of Ryde Council in January 2019, Eddie has been exemplary. He has spent time gaining experience in our Finance, Information Services, Community Services and Waste Management teams and has performed well in all of the areas he has spent time. 

“City of Ryde Council benefits from employing trainees like Eddie as we know he is well equipped with the skills and knowledge that the council needs to operate,” the representative said.

Eddie is a lifelong learner and relished the opportunity to undertake a traineeship with City of Ryde Council and improve his skills with the Certificate III in Business Administration, following which he has worked within the Community Services and Technology departments on a casual basis.

“I attended TAFE NSW one day per week for training and worked at the Council on the remaining days,” Eddie said.

“As part of my professional development, this course has helped me immensely to further my knowledge and practical skills to apply them in the workplace. My fellow workers and supervisors have been consistently impressed by my new abilities and strengths.”

Eddie said, “I feel more confident every day having had the chance to improve upon my skills and apply them in the workplace. I am grateful for the time I have spent learning and could not have done it without the excellent support I received from my teachers at TAFE NSW.”

To find out more about the range of Traineeships on offer at TAFE NSW in 2020 visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Alice Dalley, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner, alice.dalley1@tafensw.edu.au, mobile 0402 528 210.