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Trainee intake almost doubled out west as part of COVID-19 recovery

Job hunts might not be the easiest at the moment, with COVID-19 wiping out many sectors, so a western suburbs council and recruitment group have joined forces to offer positions.

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Coronavirus has wiped out jobs in many industries so Maxima and Port Adelaide Enfield Council have joined forces to almost double their trainee intake this year and in areas previously never offered.

The extra trainee opportunities have come out of the council’s COVID recovery plan, which was developed to support the local community to recover economically and socially from the impacts of the pandemic.

Maxima traineeship and apprenticeship management consultant Sarah Tinkham said her organisation had been working with the council for more than 30 years but this year’s trainee program was bigger than ever.

“We realised in the current climate we needed to try and increase job opportunities, particularly for young people,” she said.

“We normally have up to 15 trainees (working with the council) and we’ve increased that by another 12.

“We’re also opening up opportunities in areas that we haven’t before. Some of these new opportunities include project management, computer aided design, sports and recreation, library services, diesel mechanics and civil construction.”

Coronavirus led to an increase in Centrelink queues. Pic: William West
Coronavirus led to an increase in Centrelink queues. Pic: William West

While the program is aimed at getting younger people in a job, Mrs Tinkham said there was nothing to stop anyone older who might have found themselves out of work also applying.

“I think the fact the council is going from strength to strength, even in the climate we’re currently faced with shows it’s a great place to work,” she said.

The traineeships go for 12-months and incorporate accredited study and a professional development program.

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Other potential traineeship opportunities are available in information, digital media and technology, community services, customer contact and business administration.

Trainee James Goff has been on the job for a month, working with different horticultural teams to learn about the trade.

“I really enjoy working outdoors, so it’s a pretty easy fit,” he said.

Details on the traineeships can be found at maxima.com.au/current-vacancies.

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Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/messenger/west-beaches/trainee-intake-almost-doubled-out-west-as-part-of-covid19-recovery/news-story/d906ad7e49ab91483b1ff04265c91c55