WDRC success at Queensland Training Awards
Published on 24 July 2024
Western Downs Regional Council's contemporary approach to training has earned the organisation the title of Large Employer of the Year at the Queensland Training Awards Regional Finals, where Council trainee Courtney McConville was also named Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year.
This is the fourth consecutive win for Western Downs Regional Council in the Large Employer of the Year category, having also earned this award in 2021, 2022 and 2023, acknowledging the organisation's ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in education and training.
This year's awards were held in Kingaroy on 19 July and brought finalists for the 11 categories from diverse industries across the Darling Downs and South West regions.
WDRC Chief Executive Officer Jodie Taylor said Council's success in the Large Employer of the Year category reflected the organisation's continued commitment to enhancing the interpersonal and professional skills of its workforce.
"Like our region, our workforce is incredibly diverse, and by continuing to invest in our people through training opportunities and upskilling, we ensure we have the best Council staff on the ground to deliver exceptional services for the Western Downs," Mrs Taylor said.
"We believe in the Western Downs it’s the people that make it and our success is directly linked to skills and capabilities of our people.
"It's incredible that WDRC has been able to earn this accolade four years' running, and really speaks volumes about the extremely high value we place on investing in our people.
"Since 2018, Council has employed 132 trainees and apprentices further demonstrating our commitment to workplace training and education.
"I'd also like to congratulate Courtney McConville on being named Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year - a truly wonderful achievement."
A proud Mithaka and Gungarri woman, Courtney McConville received her award for demonstrating excellence as a business trainee at Council, completing her qualification in just five months.
Courtney worked on numerous community events and projects during her traineeship, including Indigenous upgrades to the Chinchilla Botanic Parkland.
"Receiving this award has been a huge achievement for me and it's really nice for all the hard work to be recognised," she said.
"I want to be able to encourage the younger generation to get in, work hard and give a Council traineeship a go.
"The thing I most enjoyed about working at Council is the opportunity to give back to my community, particularly through events and community activation."
Western Downs Regional Council currently has a number of apprenticeships, traineeships and school-based traineeships in diesel fitting, business, civil construction, parks and recreation, water operations and information technology.
Expressions of interest are now open for Council's 2025 KickStart Your Career Program. Apply now at: https://www.wdrc.qld.gov.au/Council/Careers/Career-Development