E2E program building bright futures for young trainees

Published on 15 February 2022

Six months ago, Lake Macquarie City Council trainee Ebony Rose was making sandwiches for a local takeaway store.

Now, she’s making the city a better place for more than 200,000 people.

The 18-year-old is one of 22 new recruits in Council’s Education to Employment (E2E) program, aimed at providing career pathways for high school graduates and other young people in the local community.

Ms Rose, a former Lake Macquarie High School student, and her E2E colleagues will spend the next 12 months rotating through various roles at Council, getting hands-on experience and getting paid to study for nationally recognised qualifications.

“I was working at Subway and then a shoe shop before here, but that was pretty much to pass time and get money – do what you need to do to survive,” Ms Rose said.

“But this has come along and really struck my interest. It’s all new to me, but I like the idea of working outside and working in a team. You get to be close to other people and build a bond with them, and I’ve always wanted that.”

Ms Rose, who is one of seven female E2E participants recruited into positions designated for women in non-traditional roles, said she wanted to eventually go into the mines to work.

Talent Acquisition Coordinator Penny Howell said the program was helping break down gender barriers.

“Diversifying outdoor roles that were once almost exclusively the domain of men improves workplace culture, improves results and creates a more inclusive and rounded workforce,” she said.

This year’s intake also includes five positions for people of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background. Of the 52 current E2E participants, almost 20 per cent identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

Kyle Saunders, 26, jumped at the chance when he learnt of the program.

The proud Gamilaroi man played rugby league for Manly Sea Eagles under-18s and under-20s and was a teacher’s aide working with Aboriginal students at Maitland High School before taking up his new position.

“When I finished high school, I went into labour work and I wanted to get back into it,” Mr Saunders said.

“I like being outside and meeting new people, so when the opportunity came, I went for it.”

Council filled a total 22 positions in the most recent E2E intake.

CEO Morven Cameron said more than 85 per cent of last year’s participants found full-time work following the program, either with Council or externally.

“That’s a fantastic success rate, and I think it really shows we’re on the right track with this program and what it can offer,” Ms Cameron said.

“Not just to the participants but to us as an organisation, because a lot of these people will be with us long-term, sharing their skills and passion to improve the Lake Macquarie community.”

Go to lakemac.com.au for more information on the E2E program.