Ipswich City Council has adopted a smarter, more flexible approach to managing traineeships and apprenticeships through a new agreement signed this week.
Finance and Governance Committee Chairperson Councillor Paul Tully said council is procuring the services of the Group Training Organisation (GTO) Maxima Training Group (Aust) to assist in the successful delivery of traineeship and apprenticeship opportunities.
“A GTO is an accredited entity that employs apprentices and trainees and places them with host employers, such as council, and assumes responsibility for all employment, compliance, and training coordination activities,” Cr Tully said.
“Engaging a GTO allows councils to reduce administrative burden and compliance risk while accessing skilled apprentices and trainees tailored to operational needs.
“It also strengthens the community by creating local employment opportunities, promoting diversity, and building a skilled workforce. For individuals, it provides secure employment, structured support, training continuity, and potential career development through exposure to multiple workplaces.”
Cr Tully said at least 15 trainees or apprentices would be provided opportunities at council per year under the arrangement.
Cr Tully said Maxima was nationally accredited with nearly 40 years of experience and a proven track record of partnering with councils. It will cost council $4.5 million over the three-year term, with an option for an additional two years.
This follows a successful council trainee program initiative this year.
“At Ipswich City Council, we introduced some new and innovative measures into our trainee program for 2025-2026, which saw 12 young men and women taken from 355 applicants. That’s the top 3.38 per cent of the talent pool,” Cr Tully said.
“There has been extremely positive feedback on the quality of candidates in the recruitment pool.
“We engaged with all 26 secondary schools and institutions in the Ipswich local government area and worked closely with the state office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships to advertise, promote and support school-leavers and First Nations candidates.
“Our successful 12 trainees are from diverse backgrounds and will work in areas including our libraries, sport and recreation, roads and drainage, natural areas, open spaces, customer services and workplace safety.”
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