Apprenticeships and Traineeships
Join Cairns Regional Council and launch your career!
Are you ready to kickstart your career and make a real impact in your community? Cairns Regional Council is offering an exciting opportunity for dedicated individuals to join our team through traineeships and apprenticeships.
Please keep an eye out on our website for the 2025 intake.
About Cairns Regional Council:
Cairns Regional Council is a dynamic and diverse organisation responsible for delivering essential services to the beautiful tropical region of Cairns. We are committed to fostering talent and providing pathways for individuals to grow and succeed in their careers.
What we offer:
- Real-world experience: Gain hands-on experience in your chosen field while working on meaningful projects.
- Mentorship: Learn from experienced professionals who are dedicated to your growth and success.
- Education: Access to training and development opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge.
- Competitive salaries: Earn a competitive wage while you learn and contribute to your community.
Council benefits:
- Fitness Passport (eligible after 3 months of service)
- Council’s discounted Private Health and Corporate Banking partners
- Novated leases/financial planning advice
Apprenticeships
An Apprenticeship is a structured training arrangement usually of three to four years duration. The training combines practical experience at work with complementary off-the-job training with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Apprenticeships are full-time to achieve a Nationally-Recognised Qualification.
Council provides excellent additional training to complement an apprentice’s technical ability. Training includes areas such as leadership, communication, negotiation, resilience, career management, mental health and wellbeing.
Key duties
- Loading and work truck;
- Operating work vehicle;
- Site set up and pack down;
- Replacing water mains;
- Placing connections from mains to the water meter;
- Maintenance of hydrants and service valves;
- Small concreting jobs.
Your team
Council’s Utility Services ensure the community is provided with safe and reliable drinking water and the safe removal of wastewater. As part of Utility Services, the Water Reticulation team is made up of Plumbers & Apprentice Plumbers, Technical Officers and Labourers. They are in high demand to maintain, repair and renew the 2200kms of water mains, 14 intakes, 68 reservoirs, 49 water pump stations, two water treatment plants and one water dam that make up the safe drinking water network for the Cairns Local Government Area.
Eligibility
All apprentices must be:
- 15 years and over; and
- an Australian or New Zealand Citizen or hold a permanent residency visa or temporary residency visa.
- must not have completed an apprenticeship in the same vocation being applied for. NOTE: Recommencements/part completions will be considered.
An apprenticeship with Cairns Regional Council is a trans-formative journey that not only equips you with valuable skills and experience but also provides a gateway to personal and professional growth.
Council's commitment to nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and contributing to the community creates an apprenticeship experience that is truly unparalleled. It is not just an apprenticeship; it's a launchpad for a successful and fulfilling career. - Gene - Former apprentice
Key duties
- Operating work vehicles;
- Loading/unloading equipment
- Working on switch boards;
- Checking radio telemetry unit (RTU)
- Changing ball float pressure probe and pump cables;
- Checking / working on instruments;
- Working on generators and or motors;
- Preventative maintenance – Martyn St Electricians;
- Working on in-ground cable pits and up lights
- Operating / working from EWP / scissor lifts
Your team
With over 300 water and wastewater sites, the complexity and challenges are continual. The electrical team program VSDs, general instrumentation and telemetry equipment.
The team is made up of Electrical Engineers, Instrumentation Technicians and Industrial Electricians. Our electricians constantly move between preventative maintenance, emergent works and minor project upgrades.
Eligibility
All apprentices must be:
- completion of or currently in Year 12 with passes in Math and English and
- an Australian or New Zealand Citizen or hold a permanent residency visa or temporary residency visa.
- must not have completed an apprenticeship in the same vocation being applied for. NOTE: Recommencements/part completions will be considered.
At Cairns Regional Council, I’ve had the privilege of being given numerous growth opportunities whilst receiving continuous support and mentorship throughout my apprenticeship. This has empowered me to pursue my goal of becoming a dual-traded instrumentation/electrical technician. I am grateful for the experience and guidance that I have received along the way. My management team has been instrumental in guiding my apprenticeship, whilst my fellow tradesmen have imparted invaluable knowledge along my journey. Their mentorship has been an important asset, shaping me into a skilled and accomplished - tradesman. - Lance - Former apprentice
Key duties
- Loading and unloading vehicles and using and mounted cranes
- Operating work vehicles and forklift
- Using drill and hydraulic press
- Using milling machine and metal lathes
- Using tool and cutter grinder
- Using overhead gantry
- Using horizontal band saw
- Welding (MiG and stick)
- Inbound maintenance jobs
- Off-site maintenance tasks
- Gurneying mechanical parts
Your team
Our experienced Mechanical Maintenance Team will guide you towards achieving the competencies and training required to successfully complete your MEM30219-FIT/MA - Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade (Fitting/machining) qualification.
With a supportive team and a strong solution-focused work environment, you will enjoy developing, implementing and improving your skills to become a qualified Tradesperson by servicing and repairing Council's Water & Resource Recovery Assets ensuring their reliable service to the Community.
Eligibility
All Apprentices must be:
- 15 years and over; and
- an Australian or New Zealand Citizen or hold a permanent residency visa or temporary residency visa.
- must not have completed an apprenticeship in the same vocation being applied for. NOTE: Recommencements/part completions will be considered.
I found my apprenticeship with the council to be an amazing stepping stone to starting a new career. I was able to have the opportunity to develop my skills, have exposure to various plant and equipment and work with an amazing team. Being with the council allowed me to be able to give back to the community that I live in and have an appreciation to what happens ‘behind the scenes’ within the water and waste division. - Bryan - Former apprentice
Key duties
Assist in diagnose, repair and service of Council's vehicle fleet, mobile plant, small plant and other equipment as directed by Team Leader Fleet Workshops / Coordinator Fleet Management.
Your team
Our experienced Fleet Workshop team are a close-knit team that will guide you towards achieving the competencies and training required to successfully complete MEM31419 Certificate III in Engineering Fixed & Mobile Plant Mechanic (Diesel Fitter/Mechanic)
*More information regarding this qualification can be found in the link above.
With a supportive team and a strong solution focused work environment, you will enjoy developing, implementing and improving your skills to become a qualified Tradesperson by servicing and repairing Council’s Water & Resource Recovery Assets ensuring their reliable service to the Community.
“Great working conditions, good variety and interesting work, well maintained fleet and safe working environment”
Heavy Vehicle Mechanic, Cairns Regional Council.
Eligibility
All Apprentices must be:
- 15 years and over; and
- an Australian or New Zealand Citizen or hold a permanent residency visa or temporary residency visa.
- must not have completed an apprenticeship in the same vocation being applied for. NOTE: Recommencements/part completions will be considered.
*Other eligibility criteria may apply, please refer to the vacancy information kit.
Traineeships
Traineeships can be full-time or school-based.
Traineeships combine schooling with part-time on-the-job training and formal study to achieve a Nationally Recognised Qualification.
Council’s Traineeship program provides full-time Trainees with the skills, training and experience to kick-start their chosen career. Upon completion of the program, Trainees will have the opportunity to apply for roles within Council and other organisations.
Benefits to trainees
- Competitive salaries
- 100% of training costs paid for by Council
- Ongoing training and career development opportunities
- Dedicated trainee support and opportunity to engage with a mentor.
Eligibility
All trainees must be:
- 15 years and over; and
- an Australian or New Zealand Citizen or hold a permanent residency visa or temporary residency visa.
- special eligibility criteria applies for the Skilling Queenslanders for Work Program.
- must not have completed a traineeship in the same vocation being applied for.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in business, then a business traineeship at Cairns Regional Council may be just what you are looking for!
- A 2-year school-based traineeship commences in year 11 and includes 1 day a week during term in the workplace, with additional hours during school holidays to achieve a minimum of 375 hours of work per year to achieve a Certificate 3 in Business.
- A full-time traineeship role involves working full-time plus attending a workshop 1 day per month to achieve a Certificate 3 in Business.
Samples of Key Duties
- Administrative support
- Liaise with internal and external customers
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives
- Provide excellent customer service
- Record management
- Successful completion of a Certificate 3 in Business
Business traineeships are great for building strong foundational skills in administration, communication, time management, project management and teamwork as well as developing sound knowledge in understanding sustainability, innovation and continuous improvement within a diverse organisation.
Our business trainees are placed in various teams right across the organisation from our Libraries and Organisational Development teams to our Development & Planning and Revenue & Business Support teams.
The nature of our organisations business ensures that our trainees gain valuable exposure to a wide range of administrative tasks to meet the requirements of the training plan however, what you will learn on the job goes beyond the course requirements. You will have opportunities to support other teams at community events like the Ecofiesta, Cairns Festival and the Great Barrier Reef Masters Games, participate in a group project and attend workplace tours at various council assets as well as the opportunity to attend special staff events like National Reconciliation Week morning teas and the annual Staff Awards.
A paid traineeship provides you with an opportunity to combine employment with training to receive a nationally recognised qualification across multiple disciplines. Your training costs are fully covered as part of your traineeship.
Undertaking a traineeship with Council allowed me to complete a qualification that was fully paid for whilst also gaining transferrable skills and valuable work experience in a supportive environment. As Council is such a large yet local organisation, being a trainee here has provided me with the resources and opportunities to learn, grow and serve the community as part of my day-to-day. - Anika - Former trainee
If working within the arts and cultural industry is your passion, then why not apply for a traineeship opportunity within our Creative venues team!
Samples of Key Duties
- Work as part of a team on performances, rehearsals, pre-rigs, bump-ins and bump-outs and associated activities
- Operate and maintain arts centre systems (lighting, audio, visual and mechanical)
- Operate and maintain all other technical equipment
This is a unique traineeship that will see you working alongside our talented and highly skilled technical staff delivering events across our award-winning venues, the Cairns Performing Arts Centre and Tanks Arts Centre.
You will have the chance to pursue a Certificate 3 level qualification in Live Production & Technical Services, which includes a unique opportunity to travel to Brisbane for a concentrated training block at the renowned Queensland Performing Arts Centre. During this experience, you will get to fully engage with the intricacies of the arts industry from a behind-the-scenes perspective.
The nature of our organisations business ensures that our trainees gain valuable exposure to a wide range of relevant industry tasks to meet the requirements of the training plan however, what you will learn on the job goes beyond the course requirements. You will also have opportunities to volunteer for council community events, attend workplace tours with other trainees at various council assets, as well as the opportunity to attend special staff events like National Reconciliation Week morning teas and the annual Staff Awards.
Your Team
Our award-winning Creative Venues, including the CPAC & Tanks, are the engine room for the delivery of amazing array of arts and cultural activities across the region.
The team of passionate events and production professionals skills are in high demand. They are the creatives and the doers, making everything happen from theatre, live music, dance, exhibitions, workshops, festivals, market days and more!
Do you thrive on trouble-shooting and solving technology issues whilst providing high level customer service in a fast-paced environment? Does the opportunity to expand your current knowledge to gain real-life experience to advance your career appeal to you? Come and join our Information & Technology Services (I&TS) branch and get paid while your gain your qualification, Certificate 3 in Information Technology, within an industry you love!
Undertaking an ICT traineeship with our organisation is the perfect place to gain exposure to a broad cross-section of the ICT industry. You will have an opportunity to work across various teams that focus on different aspects of IT meaning that you will gain an invaluable base skill set to align with what you will learn in your qualification and training.
You will also have opportunities to volunteer for council community events, attend workplace tours with other trainees at various council assets, as well as the opportunity to attend special staff events like National Reconciliation Week morning teas and the annual Staff Awards.
Sample of key duties
- Provide and Improve the council customer experience by putting the customer at the heart of everything we do
- Ensure I&TS technology assets are accounted for, correctly deployed, and maintained.
- Ensure consistency and effort is prioritised into decreasing the amount of errors made pertaining to desktop installations and support abiding by our standard operating procedures.
- A mindset that is geared for continuous improvement , and standardised support is achieved adopting best practice IT frameworks such as ITIL
Your team
The Information & Technology Services (I&TS) branch delivers high level support for all of council’s technology needs. The Infrastructure & Operations section delivers computers, tablets and telecommunications services as well as corporate apps (MS 365 suite) , there is a highly skilled team working around the clock to ensure that services are available 24/7.
In line with industry trends, I&TS are gearing up to drive exciting transformational initiatives addressing key macro level council challenges that include a service desk continuous improvement plan, digital tools to support a digital workplace, and automation (ServiceNow), supporting Cairns Regional Council Directorates corporate strategic goals.
The I&TS team is dedicated to supporting around 1,400 employees, with a can do, never give up attitude!
Last Updated: 24 June 2024
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