Stawell Secondary College students will have an opportunity to learn more about careers in local government when they visit Northern Grampians Shire Council as part of Project 50/15.
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Introduced in 2013, the initiative is a partnership between 10 local businesses, the Central Grampians Local Learning and Employment Network (CGLLEN) and Stawell Secondary College.
It is the second year Northern Grampians Shire Council has been involved in the program which allows students to experience 10 different workplaces over a 10 week period.
Cr Wayne Rice said Project 50/15 provided students with a greater understanding of the diversity of careers available to them locally.
"Northern Grampians Shire Council is proud to be involved in this program which gives 10 students a unique insight into the workforce," he said.
"Each student will spend one day at council where they will learn about the different departments and the various careers and opportunities available in local government."
Cr Rice said Project 50/15 helped encourage local young people to consider employment opportunities close to home.
"Many young people move away from the area after finishing school, but this program helps them to realise there are some really rewarding jobs available locally," he said.
"There are opportunities to pursue traineeships and apprenticeships, but even if they choose to move away to attend university, it's important they know that they can return to the Northern Grampians and put their degree to use."
Cr Rice said last year's program had already proved successful.
"A previous Project 50/15 participant is now working with council's Parks and Gardens team as part of the school's VCAL program, while another student has decided he would like to become a building surveyor after spending some time with members in our Building and Planning department," he said.
"These students now have a clear career path to follow and know exactly which subjects they should complete at school."
Cr Rice said Northern Grampians Shire Council employed several VCAL students and apprentices, many of who had gone on to secure full time positions within the organisation.