Apprenticeships, Traineeships and Cadetships

Apprenticeships, Traineeships and Cadetships

Richmond Valley Council is committed to creating our workforce and leaders of tomorrow.
Each year Council recruits a new intake of school-based trainees to be part of our YES (Youth Employment Strategy) program.

The YES program offers apprenticeships, traineeships and cadetships to our local young people. The program has been running since 2015 and to date we have had 100 local young people work with us to learn new skills and contribute to the Richmond Valley local government area story. We are very proud of our YES program and its track record of providing opportunities for our young people through professional cadetships, school-based traineeships, and full-time traineeships and apprenticeships.

We are incredibly proud of our continued support of work experience and training programs delivered in partnership with our local schools and training providers. Many students have enjoyed a week of work experience, learning about what it is like to work before they leave school. Others have completed school based traineeships, full time traineeships, scholarships and apprenticeships with the support of expert mentoring and technical guidance.

We are now welcoming applications for our 2025 Yes Program.


Positions Available

Click on the image to watch a video about each position

ELECTRICIAN – Apprentice

The Apprentice Electrician has a dynamic role allowing the individual to gain exposure to the full range of areas electricians encounter in the workforce, including commercial, industrial and domestic applications.
The role requires both indoor and outdoor work requiring developed problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Term: 4 Years | Hours: Full Time | Team: Water & Sewer
What you will study: Certificate III—Electrotechnology

IT SUPPORT OFFICER – Trainee

As an IT Support Officer you will assist with all of Councils IT requirements addressing a variety of IT issues, investigating and creating solutions for problems, utilizing enterprise level systems and ensuring the health of devices and systems.

Term: 2 Years | Working Hours: Full Time | Team: Information Technology
What you will study: Certificate III Information Technology

HORTICULTURE – Traineeship

As a Horticulture Trainee you will assist the Open Spaces Team make the Richmond Valley clean, tidy and attractive for our community and people coming to visit.
Horticulture is on of the fastest growing industries in Australia and if you are passionate about the environment and sustainability, this team could be for you. You will be creating our green spaces.

Term: 3 Years | Working Hours: Full Time | Team: Open Spaces
What you will study: Certificate III Horticulture

ADMNISTRATION OFFICER – Traineeship

The role of a Business Trainee is interesting and varied and provides a great foundation to business processes and experience in many areas of how a local council operates.
A core part of this role is to prepare, collate, record and maintain information relating to council business and support our Roads and Drainage Team.

Term: 1 or 2 Years | Working Hours: Full Time | Team: Assets/Roads & Drainage
What you will study: Certificate III or IV Business Administration

CIVIL CONSTRUCTION – Traineeship X 2

The role of a Civil Construction Apprentice is interesting, varied and provides staff with hands on experience and a broad understanding across all the types of construction and maintenance works that Council carries out on our vast network of roads.
A major part of this role involves learning about workplace health and safety and the control of hazards identified on a construction site.

Term: 2 Years | Working Hours: Full Time | Team: Assets/Roads & Drainage
What you will study: Certificate III Civil Construction

WASTEWATER OPERATOR – Traineeship

The role of a Water & Wastewater Operator Trainee is an outdoor role allowing the individual to experience a variety of plumbing and construction related tasks in the fields of both Water and Wastewater service provision.
Outdoor hands-on activities form a majority the tasks in this role, so a passion for outdoor construction is desirable.

Term: 2 Years | Working Hours: Full Time | Team: Water & Sewer
What you will study: Certificate III Water Industry—Water and Wastewater Operations

LIBRARY ASSISTANT –
School-based traineeship

A Library Assistant trainee is diverse and interesting and provides staff with a broad understanding of all Library services.
A major part of this role is working with a dedicated and passionate team and interacting with Library patrons to provide a high level of effective customer service. It provides the opportunity to be creative in all areas of your work.

Term: 2 Years | Working Hours: 1 day/week (700hrs) | Team: Library
What you will study: Certificate III Library and Information Services

How to apply for the YES program

Click on each heading to find out more information

  • Carefully read the role description to see if you have the passion and personal attributes required.

    The role description provides an overview of the position as well as what we look for in a trainee.

    You must understand your day-to-day duties and whether you can handle the associated study commitments.

    Useful Links: Career Quiz | Skillsroad

  • Click on the job you wish to apply for and view the application. Once you start your application, it cannot be saved, so it is a good idea to be well-prepared so you have the time to complete it in full. You may also wish to attach a cover letter and resume, so have these ready to upload in electronic format.

    HINT — Pre-prepare your responses to the questions so you can copy them straight into the application.

  • Your application is the first information we see about you, so show us why you are the right person for the job and make a positive impression. Each application will be individually reviewed and scored by the recruitment panel comprising of up to three people.

  • Your responses should be clear and concise and relate to the position you are applying for.

    Remember that the recruitment panel knows nothing about you, so you need to tell us about your skills, knowledge and experience that is relevant to the job you are applying for.

    Provide some examples of your accomplishments and work ethic and relate these to the position you’re applying for. If you have limited work experience, you can draw on your experiences from other contexts such as school, volunteering or even chores you may do at home.

  • Once you are happy with your responses. Submit your application before the closing date.

    Late applications will not be considered. Applications will be acknowledged on receipt

    (Note: if you don’t receive an email acknowledging please check your junk folder).

    HINT — Always check spelling and grammar before submitting your application

  • If you require additional assistance with the recruitment process please discuss with the advertised contact person. You can ask for reasonable adjustments to be made at any time during the recruitment process.

  • After the closing date, the recruitment panel will assess all applications and shortlist applicants to be interviewed. If you are shortlisted for the job, you will be contacted via email and requested to attend an interview. Usually, shortlisting takes at least 14 days, depending on the number of applications received. If you are not shortlisted for an interview, you will be formally informed by email.

  • Shortlisted applicants will be contacted via email regarding an interview date, time and location.

    Prepare for your interview and be ready to talk about why you applied for the position, what your achievements, strengths, and experience are, and why you would like to work for Richmond Valley Council. Make sure you are familiar with our values and behaviours. This is your opportunity to showcase yourself and ask us any questions.

    Ensure your referees know they may be contacted if you are the preferred candidate.

  • The successful applicant will be contacted by our Talent Acquisition Officer with a job offer to commence in 2025. This offer will then be confirmed in writing and subject to satisfactory pre-employment screening. Unsuccessful interviewees will also be contacted and offered feedback if it is requested.

School-Based Traineeships – Elsa Dixon

Each year Richmond Valley applies for the maximum intake of Elsa Dixon recruits. Elsa Dixon Aboriginal Employment Grant (EDAEG) encourages businesses to offer young Aboriginal people opportunities to gain employment and experience whilst at school. We are very proud to support and mentor Elsa Dixon graduates.

This is an amazing opportunity for young people to gain a valuable qualification and experience whilst still at school, providing them with a great head start in life.

If you are interested in finding out more about these programs, or have any questions about applying, please contact Council’s People Engagement Coordinator on 02 6660 0300.

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