By Callum Ludwig
The Yarra Ranges Youth Development Team is hosting an event to help young local residents explore the career opportunities open to them through Council.
A Career Open Night will be held at the Yarra Ranges Council Civic Centre on Thursday 11 July with all young local residents encouraged to come along.
Coordinator of Youth Development at Yarra Ranges Council Dudu Orman said the event will give young people the opportunity to understand the types of employment opportunities that are available working in a local government.
“ Yarra Ranges Shire Council is a large employer within the region, with over 700 local residents who are employed at Council,” she said.
“We are going to have over 16 different Council teams at the open night, ready to talk to young people about their employment journey at Council and the types of work they do in their role; this will include our Youth Ambassadors, a team of young people employed by Council to bring a young perspective into our strategies and polices,”
“We are also going to have four community organisations who work with our young people in the area who support skill development Tasty AZ, Interchange Outer East, Belgravia and Yarra Valley FM.”
The event will be held from 4.30pm to 7pm with registrations essential and door prizes to be won. To register for the event, visit .trybooking.com/events/landing/1240572.
Ms Orman said they are hoping young people will consider career pathways they have never thought about before and are also hoping young people will consider Council as an employer wherever they may be in their career journey.
“Having an event that highlights career opportunities within Council can be immensely helpful for young people, such events provide a platform for young people explore firsthand information about various career paths within a local government setting,” she said.
“By interacting directly with professionals, young people can better understand the skills and qualifications required for different roles, the nature of the work, and the potential for career growth,”
“This practical insight can demystify working at a Council and make career planning more accessible and less intimidating.”
The event has been funded by the Victorian State Government ‘Engage!’ Initiative.
Ms Orman said working within one’s own community offers young people numerous benefits that extend beyond financial gain.
“It fosters a strong sense of belonging and connection to their local environment, they develop a deeper understanding of local issues, challenges, and dynamics, which can cultivate a greater sense of community responsibility and pride, supporting young people to become active, informed citizens who are invested in the well-being and development of their community,” she said.
“Young people working in their own community also supports them to build valuable networks and relationships with mentors, businesses, and organisations, to provide guidance, support, and opportunities for personal and professional growth,”
“All of this is important for career growth whilst contributing to long-term community resilience and economic stability.”
