Western Downs Regional Council is committed to the professional development of its people. The various career development initiatives offer a variety of pathways for employees and community members.
You can find out more about these initiatives, including Traineeships and Apprenticeships, Cadetships, Graduate Program, Bursaries and Work Experience, on the following pages.
A traineeship or apprenticeship with Western Downs Regional Council is the perfect way to Kickstart your Career.
Say G'day to Craig and Anastasia!
A traineeship or apprenticeship with Western Downs Regional Council is the perfect way to Kickstart your Career, but don't take our word for it! Hear from some of our current trainees about their experiences working with Council.
Council is committed to providing local opportunities to kickstart careers in our region as part of its Early Career Program, equipping our region's future generations with job-ready skills and qualifications.
WDRC provides a number of new traineeship and apprenticeship opportunities across the region throughout the year with vacancies advertised on Council's website and Facebook page.
We are looking for driven, friendly, passionate, and confident individuals, with a can-do attitude to join our team as a Trainee or Apprentice. You'll have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience across a variety of areas while being fully supported throughout your study.
The application period for the next round of trainees and apprentices has recently closed. However, if you are keen on pursuing a traineeship or apprenticeship, please kindly fill out the Expressions of Interest form below. Council will reach out to you when applications reopen.
What to Expect from a Council Traineeship
- Paid fixed-term employment for the duration of your course (Apprentice & Trainee wages apply)
- Nationally-recognised qualification
- Hands-on experience within a diverse organisation
- Online and face-to-face training with a registered training provider
- Experienced supervisors to coach, mentor, and assist you to be successful
- Supportive work environment
- Up to 3 internal department rotations (Business Trainees only), information sessions, and tours of Council facilities to better understand our business
- Industry work experience with a private business located in your community
If you’re thinking of becoming a technical professional like an engineer, a Cadetship is a terrific way to gain work experience while you train, be mentored by industry professionals and be able to apply for a permanent position when you finish.
View positions vacant, including current cadetship opportunities, here.
Cadetships are designed for anyone who is interested in studying a Tertiary Qualification and have on the job paid work experience too. So if you’ve recently completed Year 12 or are wanting a career change and are interested in attending university, consider applying for a Cadetship with Council.
Depending on which course you undertake, they usually last three to four years.
You will complete a Tertiary Qualification, usually at an Associate Degree level or higher.
You are initially required to pay each semester’s fees up front. However, should you successfully complete each unit, you will be eligible for reimbursement of your fees.
You may have the opportunity to be employed permanently with Council upon successfully completing your Cadetship.
Cadets are also encouraged to apply for other vacancies at Council.
You will gain on-the-job experience through full-time work while you complete part-time study and be provided technical training opportunities during the course of your employment.
Cadets are mentored by industry professionals and have the opportunity to apply for a permanent role with Council once they have completed their study.
And best of all, your qualification is fully paid for by Council (after successfully completing each Semester).
Being employed as a graduate is a superb way to get some real-world experience after completing full-time study.
Those who have graduated with at least a bachelor degree from university.
Depending on which section you work with, between one and two years, full-time contract.
There is no guaranteed employment with Council when you finish your graduate program.
It’s a great way to start your professional career by getting exposure to the full-time work environment while getting experience to back-up your degree.
The graduate program is run once per year. When available, these opportunities will be advertised on the Current Vacancies page.
For further information contact the Learning and Development team at Council.
Work experience is available to those who are studying within educational institutions or linked with a job placement organisation.
Some compulsory minimum qualifications do apply before placement within certain programs (depending on type of work experience):
- General construction safety (White) card
- Working With Children (Blue) card
- Car licence
- Supply of own Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
School students wishing to arrange a work experience placement are encouraged to discuss their work experience options with the school.
If you would like to express an interest in work experience, please complete a Request Work Experience Form and send to info@wdrc.qld.gov.au.
Request Work Experience Form
Western Downs Regional Councils (WDRC) Community Spirit Bursary provide students with financial assistance of $1,000 towards their chosen field of study and the opportunity to return to the region during university breaks to undertake paid work placement within Council.
The paid work placement opportunities expose students to the diverse career opportunities and work areas available within Council and, in many instances, provide hands-on experience to complement their area of study.
- 1 x Community Spirit Bursary to be awarded per regional high school to a graduating grade 12 ATAR eligible student and presented at Awards Night.
- Eligible student to be selected by the principal from each school based on the following criteria:
- Applied commitment to learning and growth
- Academic performance
- Contribution to the community
- Contribution / participation of overall school involvement
- ATAR eligible
- One off payment of $1,000 paid to the successful student.
- Opportunity of paid work experience with Council over University holiday periods. (Student to apply to Council in writing / email for work experience placement.)
- Successful student is encouraged to attend University within 2 years of receiving notification of Bursary.
- Notification of successful student to be supplied to Council 2 weeks prior to awards night.
Students have the option to work at Council during university semester breaks in a team that aligns to their area of study or supports future career development. This is a great way to gain some industry experience while studying full-time.
No, however students have the opportunity to gain on the job experience during semester breaks.
Community Spirit Bursaries are announced at the end of each schooling year.
For further information, contact the Organisational Development Team at Council.