East Gippsland Shire Council is helping young people gain experience in the workforce and build their skills through the Aboriginal school-based traineeship program.

The youths underwent an application process and then chose a course that interested them.

To complete their course, participants spend one day a week working with council, and the rest of the week at school.

Council’s participants are working in a variety of locations based on their chosen course. Council’s Parks and Gardens crew, Eagle Point Caravan Park, and Bairnsdale Library are hosting trainees.

Two participants halfway through their courses are Jirrah Morgan and Leteisha Bryant.

Mr Morgan is completing a Certificate II in Parks and Gardens and is based at the Eagle Point Caravan Park.

“I chose this course because I enjoy working outside. I am learning a lot and I like coming to the park and doing hands-on training,” he said.

His tasks have included planting and watering gardens, building retaining walls and bird boxes, and preparing firewood for sale.

“Being here I’m also getting experience in caravan park operations and customer service. I’ve gotten to know some of our regular visitors during my time here,” Mr Morgan said.

One of his achievements has been building a vertical vegetable garden with a watering system near the caravan park’s camp kitchen.

“The idea is people can pick some herbs to add to the meals they’re preparing in the camp kitchen or on the barbecue,” Mr Morgan said.

The Bairnsdale Library has hosted Ms Bryant during the first year of her traineeship, and she’s found it an eye-opening experience.

“I was surprised at how many different things a library does; it’s a lot more than I thought,” Ms Bryant said.

“During my time here I’ve done some front desk work, packed books and completed paperwork. I’ve also helped with library programs such as rhyme time and story time.
“I’m in year 10, so this is my first experience of the workforce. It is quite different to school. I’m here for a full work day and help the library staff and customers. The people who work here have been really welcoming and helpful,” Ms Bryant said.

Ms Bryant is completing a Certificate III in Business and will work in other areas of council next year.

Both students attend Bairnsdale Secondary College and said they’d recommend a school-based traineeship to others.

PICTURED: Leteisha Bryant has enjoyed working at the Bairnsdale Library as part of her Certificate III in Business course.