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Work Experience At Bass Coast Shire Council

Four local year 10 students gain experience from the Bass Coast Shire staff

By Nicole McMillan - 2nd July 2002 - Back to News

During the past week four local year 10 students have been gaining experience from the Bass Coast Shire staff.

David McHenry, Claudio Fumagalli and Daniel McGinley of Newhaven College, and Nicole McMillan of Mary Mackillop CRC have been enjoying week of work with different departments at Council.

David worked with Council’s Aged and Family Services Team. Claudio was situated in Planning, while Daniel worked in the Parks and Gardens Unit. Nicole became very multi-skilled, working with the Building, Valuers and Communications teams.

According to the Aged and Family Services staff, David was very helpful during his week of work experience. He helped with rosters for carers as well as folding, stamping and sending 1200 letters. He also organised the department by creating an in and out board so that all staff can be found at a particular time.

"I had a really interesting week," said Nicole. "I got to do something different everyday."

While in Building, Nicole went out on inspections and helped with filing. She discovered how Council’s rating system works, how properties are valued and what Wonthaggi looks like from a bird’s eye view. While in Communications, she found out what goes on behind the scenes for events and information guides. She even changed Council’s website, adding up and coming community events.

Kate Spall, Human Resources Officer with Council, organised work experience for the students.

"The Council take on work experience students to give them a better knowledge of what the work force is about," said Kate. "It also helps in teaching them about what we do at the Council, and to give them better ideas of future careers."

According to Nicole, Bass Coast Shire is a great place to do work experience.

"You would never imagine there are so many different kind of career options in local government," said Nicole. "From being a local laws ranger to public relations or caring for elderly or disabled people in our community."

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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