Council counters skills shortage

ALBURY council is doing its bit to address a skills shortage on the Border by recruiting several professional trainees.

Five jobs will be advertised tomorrow.

Those appointed will be trained in town planning, building surveying, recreation, information management and economic development while they undertake tertiary studies.

Craig McPartland and Matthew Flegeltaub are already working for the council in such roles.

Mr McPartland, 29, has worked on the front counter as a council customer service officer for 22 months but senior staff recognised his aptitude in planning and building matters and offered him the traineeship in town planning.

Mr Flegeltaub, 34, has worked three months as a trainee building surveyor and draws on skills he learnt as a business manager in a design and construction firm.

“It’s an interesting and challenging role,” Mr Flegeltaub said.

Council general manager Les Tomich said trainees would be guaranteed work while they trained and their qualifications would be taken into account if they applied for further work.

Mr Tomich said the aim was not so much to benefit the council but to build up the skills base.

He said Albury would also encourage trainees to work occasionally at neighbouring councils.

“Like many sectors, local government is facing a skills shortage,” he said.

“The council is keen on ‘growing its own’ to ensure that key areas maintain skilled employees while also giving young people or those looking for a change a new career.”

Source: The Border Mail

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