A traineeship program at Murray Irrigation has proved to be a win-win for the organisation and the community, says its chair.
Over the past four years Murray Irrigation has developed the program, and so far eight young people have participated.
This year, two 2021 school leavers from Deniliquin High School — Olivia Cathcart and Rosie North — have joined Murray Irrigation.
Olivia said the trainee partnership with TAFE offered “a great opportunity to learn new skills, before allowing us to use them in a real situation”.
Rosie said the traineeship program had provided them both “with an amazing transition from school to full-time work, setting us up for a future in any workforce”.
Murray Irrigation chair Steve Fawns said the program was instigated because the company wanted to offer pathways for young people into the business, while at the same time further strengthening existing ties with the community.
“It has been a fantastic win-win program,” Mr Fawns said.
“Murray Irrigation gets the benefit of enthusiastic young trainees, and our local school leavers get a smooth transition into the workforce without having to leave the region.”
The trainees have been employed across the business, predominantly in customer operations, but also finance and infrastructure.
The program has already provided ongoing employment opportunities at Murray Irrigation.
Charlie Tasker joined the team in January 2020 and, after successfully completing his 12-month traineeship, he moved into a customer service operator position before joining the remote-control operator team earlier this year.
Other recent trainees have headed off to university, but have remained as casual employees during their holidays.
Students interested in a traineeship with Murray Irrigation should watch out for the advertising process through their school and local press.