Gap Year and Inclusive Traineeship programs continue at City of Marion

The City of Marion’s Gap Year and Inclusive Traineeship programs will continue for another three years after Council Members approved the annual cost of $240,000 for both initiatives at this week’s General Meeting.

The two programs were set up to provide pathways to employment for young people and people from diverse and/or disadvantaged backgrounds within the Marion community.

“The Gap Year program has been running since 2017 with the council engaging two recent school leavers from the Marion community and providing them with paid employment for 12 months across a range of workplaces within Council,” Mayor of Marion Kris Hanna said.

“We also offer three Inclusive Traineeships every year to residents from among First Nations and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds and those who have a disability.

“Participants work at Council while also completing relevant training for a certificate-level qualification.

“These programs aim to build skills and work experience to assist in securing future long-term employment and some participants have gone on to secure employment with the City of Marion or other councils.”

Funding for traineeships was due to expire at the end of this financial year with funding for the Gap Year Program expiring at the end of 2023.

The Gap Year program has provided paid work experience for 11 local young people since it began in 2017.

The program was recognised in 2018 with a Local Government Professionals Excellence Award for providing outstanding opportunities for local youth.

The Inclusive Traineeship Program received the Local Government Professionals Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award in 2021.

Find out more about the programs and how to apply at https://www.marion.sa.gov.au/about-council/employment

Photo: City of Marion Gap Year participants for 2023 - Amara Scheide, left, and Zane LeBlond.

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