RDAWEP’s Business Administration trainee and her supervisor attended a networking and professional development event as part of the State Government’s $2 million Regional Youth Traineeship Program.

The ‘Welcome to Local Government Induction’ series of events is being held around the state and is designed specifically for program trainees and their supervisors.

The Regional Youth Traineeship Program provides assistance to local governing authorities to provide entry level employment and training to a trainee for two years.

The 57 trainees from across South Australia are young people aged between 17 and 24 living in the regions who were either unemployed or didn’t have a full time job.  Participants benefit from tailored training and work plans, so on the completion of their two year traineeships they’ll be ready to take advantage of further employment opportunities.

The program, delivered on behalf of the State Government by the Local Government Association, has been designed to encourage the regional local governing bodies to continue employing the trainees after the two funded years.

LGA President Mayor Dave Burgess said that the events are bringing together trainees from the councils across each region to take advantage of the program.

“The theme of the workshops is ‘educate, inspire, inform, network and share’, and the day builds on what the trainees have already gained from council workplace inductions, as well as offering ideas and guidance on career development,” Mayor Burgess said.

Each event provides the opportunity for trainees to meet face to face with other trainees from the region and to hear from local role models to encourage thoughts about future career possibilities.

Regional Development Minister Geoff Brock said the workshops were an ideal opportunity for each region to share and celebrate the successes of their own young people.

“These induction workshops are providing a wonderful opportunity for trainees supported by the program to build their knowledge and confidence for successful career opportunities in the future,” Mr Brock said.

“The Regional Youth Traineeship Program is a great example of the different levels of government working together to create vibrant, sustainable regional communities with a skilled workforce.”