Apprentices and Trainees

Launch your career with council

Ready to earn, learn and build a career that makes a difference? An apprenticeship or traineeship with Mackay Regional Council could be your next step.

You’ll gain hands-on experience, on-the-job training, mentoring and a nationally recognised qualification in a safe, supportive and inclusive workplace.

We’re proud to develop local talent and create pathways to rewarding careers in our community.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disability, impairment or long-term health conditions and people who identify as LGBTIQ+.

Applications

Applications for opportunities in 2027 have now closed.

Keep an eye out for the next round of applications due to open in August/September 2027.

Benefits

  • Learn from experienced professionals who are invested in your success.

  • Have your training and qualification costs fully covered by council.

  • Earn while you learn and achieve a nationally recognised qualification.

  • Hit the ground running with uniforms and PPE supplied.

  • Build valuable skills, gain real-world experience and kickstart your career.


Tips for Applying

Which apprenticeship or traineeship is for you?

  • What are your interests?
  • What do you want to learn?
  • Read more about the various pathways below.
  • Keep an eye out for the opportunities available with council during the next intake (usually around mid-year).

Application documentation

  • Read about applying for a position with council.
  • Make sure your resume is up-to-date.
  • Clearly state in your covering letter why you want the position.
  • Ensure you submit everything requested and double check before you hit submit.
  • Please note only PDF and DOCS file formats will be accepted.

Interview process

  • Read about the interview process with council.
  • Before your interview, find out more about Mackay Regional Council, the position you have applied for and what it means to an apprentice or trainee.
  • Be well presented and dress appropriately.
  • Be punctual and arrive at least 10 minutes early.
  • Switch off all mobile devices.

Make sure to respond to all phone calls, voicemail messages and emails from council.

Apprentice and Trainee Pathways

Listed are potential apprentice and trainee offerings at Mackay Regional Council. These offerings will depend on council and regional business needs.

Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology

48-month apprenticeship

Gain experience in a broad range of tasks on a variety of heavy commercial vehicles. This may include the repair, maintenance, and servicing of council’s fleet, plant and equipment, including light and heavy vehicles, mobile plant, diesel, hydraulic, electrical and air conditioning systems.

Certificate III in Horticulture

24-month traineeship

Love the great outdoors then perhaps a career in horticulture is for you. Learn about landscape gardening, plant identification and suitability and environmental sustainability all whilst working in a practical hands-on setting.

Certificate III in Business

12-month traineeship

Seeking exposure to the corporate world? Why not get your foot in the door with a business traineeship introducing you to how organisations operate and learning fundamental administration skills in a professional environment.

Certificate IV in Library and Information Services

18-month traineeship

This program is perfect for somebody looking to get started in library, information and cultural services. During your study you will gain knowledge in the library and information service industry, cataloguing tools, processing and maintaining information resources

Certificate III in Information Technology

24-month traineeship

Learn how to use computer operating systems and hardware, develop skills in the use of various software applications while gaining an understanding of how to work effectively with ICT equipment.

Certificate III in Supply Chain Operations

24-month traineeship 

Gain practical experience in warehouse and logistics operations while completing a nationally recognised qualification. Working alongside experienced team members, you'll learn stock control, inventory management, receipting and dispatch processes, and the day-to-day operations that keep a warehouse running efficiently.

Certificate III in Live Production and Technical Services

12-month traineeship

Gain practical experience and knowledge in live production whilst working at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre (MECC). As a trainee in this area you will assist with staging, audio visual and lighting for events and productions in a hands-on role. You will have the opportunity to be involved with major events held and organised by the MECC.

Certificate II in Civil Construction

12-month traineeship

This is a great career opportunity where you will learn a variety of valuable skills and learn the basics of Civil Construction as a foundation to a rewarding career. The traineeship will provide the knowledge and skills to enable a person to undertake a range of activities in the various aspects of the Civil industry.

Meet Past Apprentices and Trainees

Youth Worker Trainee | Horticulture Trainee

Business Trainee | Apprentice Plumber

Workplace Health and Safety Trainee

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply?

Mackay Regional Council is an equal employment opportunity employer who values diversity. We encourage applications from all backgrounds including women, mature age applicants, school-leavers and members of indigenous and other minority groups.

I'm a mature aged person; do you accept applications from a mature person?

Yes, we encourage mature age applicants to apply as we employ on a merit-based recruitment process.

I'm under 18 years of age; do you accept applications from someone under 18 years of age?

Yes, we accept applications from applicants under the age of 18 for certain positions, however, consent from your parent or guardian must be obtained prior to application.

If you are under the age of 18 and successful in obtaining an apprenticeship or traineeship, your parent or guardian will be required to attend the medical process and sign relevant documentation upon commencement.

I'm currently completing an apprenticeship; do you accept applications from current apprentices?

The recruitment process is based upon merit, and we will consider all applications submitted for the role equally.

I have already completed a qualification/certificate can I still apply?

Yes, as long as your certificate is not in the same field you are applying for. For example: if you have a Certificate III in Business and would like to apply for the Certificate III Live Production Traineeship then you certainly can. However, if you have a Certificate III in Business and wanted to apply for a Business Traineeship you would not be eligible. You can also apply if you have a partial certificate.

What will my salary be?

Your salary will be in accordance with Order – Apprentices’ and Trainees’ Wages and Conditions (excluding certain Queensland Government Entities) 2003 or the Training Wage Award – State 2012.

What will my hours be?

Your weekly ordinary hours of work can be 36.25 hours or 38 hours per week in accordance with the current Mackay Regional Council Certified Agreement. These hours will be worked during council’s normal office hours of 6.00am to 6.00pm on Monday to Friday. Certain apprenticeships or traineeships will require you to work nights and weekends and may have varying hours to that stated above.

What support will I receive?

Mackay Regional Council’s Apprentice and Trainee program provides our apprentices and trainees with support from supervisors and our Capability and Development team. This includes regular reviews to check on how your training is progressing, and identifying any additional support needed. We ensure that you are receiving all the experience and mentoring you need on the job to become confident and competent in your work.

How do I apply?

Click on the link for the position you are interested, follow the instructions to complete your application and submit your resume and cover letter.

Can I apply for more than one position?

Yes, you can apply for more than one position, however please ensure you individualise your documentation to reflect the position you are applying for.

I am having difficulty logging onto the vacancy site?

If you are having difficulties logging onto the vacancy site, please contact our Recruitment team on 1300 622 529 for assistance.

How long is the traineeship or apprenticeship?

The length of apprenticeships and traineeships varies depending on the type of position and qualification you are successful in. Traineeships are generally 12 to 24 months and apprenticeships are generally 36 to 48 months.

When will I hear about my application?

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by phone and email to organise interviews. Remember to check your junk or spam folders for emails. The full apprentice and trainee recruitment process can take two to three months to be completed. Applicants who are not successful in being shortlisted will be contacted by email to advise their application has been unsuccessful.

When will I start?

Successful applicants will start early February in the year following your application.