Four trainees and one apprentice have started a path that has led to Local Government careers for many local school leavers and young people.

In fact, 11 graduates of the program are still working permanently for the Council - some up to six years after the program was initiated in 2006. A number of these people are now in higher level positions.

Welcoming the group to the organisation this week, the Council’s General Manager Graeme Fleming said he was extremely proud of the program which had provided employment and training for 40 young people over the past six years.

“In fact, I would say this initiative has been one of the highlights of my 25 years with the Council,” he said.

“It’s amazing to see how these young people learn and develop. They bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm to the organisation and I think the fact that 11 are still working with our Council is a testament to the success of the program.”

Cabonne Council helped initiate a similar program through the Wellington Blayney Cabonne Strategic Alliance to try to ensure a flow of talented young people into Local Government.

“Country councils often find it difficult to recruit the right staff and I think this program of ‘growing your own’ not only provides us with staff, but helps to retain some of the brightest and best young people in our Shire,” he said.